Scribd
Upload
153 views2 pages

Overview of Planetary Geology

Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers and layering (stratification). In the laboratory, stratigraphers analyze samples from field sites like drill cores to study stratigraphic units and reconstruct ancient Earth surface processes. They also use geophysical data and well logs combined with computer programs to better understand the subsurface in 3D. Biostratigraphers analyze rock samples for fossils to date rock units and understand depositional environments. Other scientists perform isotope studies and examine magnetic properties to learn about past climate and magnetic field reversals.

Uploaded by

John Kenneth Bentir
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
153 views2 pages

Overview of Planetary Geology

Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers and layering (stratification). In the laboratory, stratigraphers analyze samples from field sites like drill cores to study stratigraphic units and reconstruct ancient Earth surface processes. They also use geophysical data and well logs combined with computer programs to better understand the subsurface in 3D. Biostratigraphers analyze rock samples for fossils to date rock units and understand depositional environments. Other scientists perform isotope studies and examine magnetic properties to learn about past climate and magnetic field reversals.

Uploaded by

John Kenneth Bentir
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Stratigraphy[edit]

Different colours show the different minerals composing the mount Ritagli di Lecca seen from Fondachelli-Fantina, Sicily
Main article: Stratigraphy
In the laboratory, stratigraphers analyze samples of stratigraphic sections that can be returned from the
field, such as those from drill cores.[40] Stratigraphers also analyze data from geophysical surveys that
show the locations of stratigraphic units in the subsurface.[41] Geophysical data and well logs can be
combined to produce a better view of the subsurface, and stratigraphers often use computer programs to
do this in three dimensions.[42] Stratigraphers can then use these data to reconstruct ancient processes
occurring on the surface of the Earth,[43] interpret past environments, and locate areas for water, coal, and
hydrocarbon extraction.
In the laboratory, biostratigraphers analyze rock samples from outcrop and drill cores for the fossils found in
them.[40] These fossils help scientists to date the core and to understand the depositional environment in
which the rock units formed. Geochronologists precisely date rocks within the stratigraphic section to
provide better absolute bounds on the timing and rates of deposition. [44] Magnetic stratigraphers look for
signs of magnetic reversals in igneous rock units within the drill cores. [40] Other scientists perform stable-
isotope studies on the rocks to gain information about past climate.[40]

Planetary geology[edit]

Surface of Mars as photographed by the Viking 2 lander December 9, 1977


Main articles: Planetary geology and Geology of solar terrestrial planets
With the advent of space exploration in the twentieth century, geologists have begun to look at other
planetary bodies in the same ways that have been developed to study the Earth. This new field of study is
called planetary geology (sometimes known as astrogeology) and relies on known geologic principles to
study other bodies of the solar system.
Although the Greek-language-origin prefix geo refers to Earth, "geology" is often used in conjunction with
the names of other planetary bodies when describing their composition and internal processes: examples
are "the geology of Mars" and "Lunar geology". Specialised terms such as selenology (studies of the
Moon), areology (of Mars), etc., are also in use.
Although planetary geologists are interested in studying all aspects of other planets, a significant focus is to
search for evidence of past or present life on other worlds. This has led to many missions whose primary or
ancillary purpose is to examine planetary bodies for evidence of life. One of these is the Phoenix lander,
which analyzed Martian polar soil for water, chemical, and mineralogical constituents related to biological
processes.

You might also like