GEOS 420T(S) Planetary Geology (Same as ASTR 420T)

Planetary geology is hot! In the last few years space probes and the Hubble Telescope have given us stunning new perspectives on the bodies in our solar system, and the recent thrilling discoveries of the bizarre "hot Jupiters" orbiting other stars have forced us to reexamine our ideas about the evolution of our own planetary system. This field is also a great vehicle for teaching and learning the nuances of scientific interpretation and argument: nobody was watching when the solar system formed, and we can't hike around on Mars or Europa, so we have to infer composition, form, texture and process from photographs and sparse chemical data. We will examine a number of topics including planetary formation and differentiation, asteroid chemistry and the failed-planet hypothesis, liquid water in the outer solar system, water on Mars, giant-planet migration, and tectonics in the solar system.
Prerequesites: one upper-level Geosciences course or consent of instructor.
Evaluation will be based on five written papers, participation and critical analysis.
Enrollment limited with preference to seniors.

Hour: COX