Section 4 Flashcards
What is the Nebular Hypothesis?
The solar system formed about 4.6 billion years ago from a rotating cloud of gas and dust (solar nebula)
This hypothesis explains the formation of the solar system and its bodies.
What is accretion in the context of solar system formation?
Dust and gas particles clumped together to form planetesimals
Accretion is a key process in the formation of celestial bodies.
Define differentiation in planetary geology.
Larger bodies, heated by impacts and radioactive decay, separated into layers based on density (cores, mantles, crusts)
This process is crucial for understanding the internal structure of planets.
What is a protoplanetary disk?
The central region formed the Sun, while surrounding materials formed planets, moons, asteroids, and comets
This disk is essential for the formation of solar system bodies.
What materials primarily formed the inner planets?
Metal and silicate-rich materials
This composition is key to understanding the geology of the inner planets.
What are the geologic characteristics of Mercury?
Heavily cratered, thin exosphere, evidence of past volcanic activity and tectonics
These features highlight Mercury’s dynamic geological history.
Describe the atmosphere and surface of Venus.
Thick atmosphere, volcanic plains, and evidence of resurfacing events
Venus’s geology is influenced by its dense atmosphere.
What defines Earth’s geologic activity?
Dynamic surface with active plate tectonics, water, and a life-supporting atmosphere
Earth is unique among the planets for its active geology and life.
What notable features does Mars have?
Dry river valleys, polar ice caps, large volcanoes (e.g., Olympus Mons), and evidence of past water
These features suggest a complex geologic history and potential for past life.
What are the primary characteristics of gas giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn?
Primarily gaseous with rocky/metallic cores
Understanding their structure helps in studying their formation and evolution.
What is cryovolcanism?
Volcanism involving eruptions of subsurface water or ammonia
This process is significant on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus.
What is impact cratering?
Ubiquitous across the solar system, reshaping surfaces of all solid bodies
Impact cratering has played a significant role in the geological history of celestial bodies.
What is the significance of volcanism on celestial bodies?
Common on larger bodies with internal heat, leading to geological activity
Volcanism varies across different bodies in the solar system.
True or False: Erosion and weathering are identical processes on all solar system bodies.
False
Erosion and weathering processes vary significantly by body.
Fill in the blank: The largest volcano in the solar system is __________.
Olympus Mons
Olympus Mons is located on Mars and is a key feature of its geology.
What is the geological status of smaller bodies in the solar system?
Smaller bodies cooled quickly and are mostly geologically inert
This contrasts with larger bodies that retained internal heat longer.
