Mars: an introduction to its interior, surface and atmosphere

Nadine Barlow0521852269, 9780521852265, 9780511394515

Our knowledge of Mars has changed dramatically in the past 40 years due to the wealth of information provided by Earth-based and orbiting telescopes, and spacecraft investigations. Recent observations suggest that water has played a major role in the climatic and geologic history of the planet. This textbook covers our current understanding of the planet’s formation, geology, atmosphere, interior, surface properties, and potential for life. This interdisciplinary textbook encompasses the fields of geology, chemistry, atmospheric sciences, geophysics, and astronomy. Each chapter introduces the necessary background information to help the non-specialist understand the topics explored. It includes results from missions through 2006, including the latest insights from Mars Express and the Mars Exploration Rovers. Containing the most up-to-date information on Mars, this textbook is essential reading for graduate courses, and an important reference for researchers.

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Table of contents :
Title……Page 1
Contents……Page 5
1 Introduction to Mars……Page 11
2 Formation of Mars and early planetary evolution……Page 38
3 Geophysical measurements and inferred interior structure……Page 61
4 Surface characteristics……Page 82
5 Geology……Page 112
6 Atmospheric conditions and evolution……Page 173
7 History of water on Mars……Page 197
8 Search for life……Page 213
9 Looking ahead……Page 226
References……Page 231
Appendix: Mission reports……Page 265
Index……Page 267
Color Plates……Page 275