GEOS 217T Planetary Geology (Same as Astronomy 217T) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010) (W)
The diversity of our solar system is incredible. No two plants are exactly alike, and as we acquire more data and higher-resolution images, our sense of wonder grows. However, we can't hike around and hammer rocks on Venus or Titan, so we have to infer composition, form, texture and process from remotely-captured images and sparse chemical and spectral data. This leaves plenty of room for interpretation and hypothesising about geological processes on other bodies. Through reading recent research papers we will examine a number of topics, including the possible Late Heavy Bombardment of the moon, tectonics on Venus, water on Mars, hidden oceans on Europa, and the methane weather cycle on Titan.
Evaluation will be based on six 2500-word papers, discussion, and critical analysis. There will be a strong focus on polished writing and argument, and papers will be thoroughly edited by the professor for style, grammar and syntax. Students will improve their writing by integrating into successive papers the editorial comments they receive, and also by editing the writing of their tutorial partners.
Prerequisites: one Geosciences course, or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10). Preference given to sophomores.
COX