LAUSR

As geology is the science aimed at understanding the origin and functioning of the Earth, planetology wants to comprehend all planets of the solar system and the universe. Geosciences form a complex edifice of physical and chemical disciplines, namely mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, sedimentology, geomorphology, tectonics and geophysics, all dependent on the acquisition of data. On Earth, the collection of geological data mostly occurs through fieldwork, rock sampling and in situ measurements. For all other planets, data acquisition relies on remote observation, spacecraft exploration and meteorite analysis. Hence, even if geology is a branch of planetology, the one dedicated to the Earth, the two fields are historically separated and planetary science has rather been taught as part of the astronomy curriculum. Based on a multidisciplinary course provided by the seven authors at the University of Tennessee, this volume is the first textbook providing an exhaustive background to planetary science.