Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System

Tracy K. P. Gregg, Rosaly M.C. Lopes, Sarah A. Fagents

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9780128139882
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Astronomy & Astrophysics

Planetary Volcanism across the Solar System compares and contrasts the vast array of planetary bodies in the Solar System, including Earth. The wealth of spacecraft data for almost all major solid-surface bodies in the Solar System indicate that volcanism has been a dominant mechanism in shaping the landscapes of these bodies. The book addresses key questions surrounding our understanding of planetary volcanism, such as how to integrate the data into a coherent view of how volcanic activity arises, how this mechanism shapes planets, which volcanic landforms are ubiquitous throughout the Solar System, and which are unique.

By placing a singular emphasis on comparing volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, and with the explicit objective of providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon, users will find an up-to-date, accessible and comprehensive discussion of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies.

• Includes an introduction placing the book in the context of the larger Comparative Planetology series
• Compares volcanic processes and landforms on all relevant Solar System bodies, providing a systems-level understanding of this widespread phenomenon
• Offers a thorough examination of the major volcanic processes and landforms that shape and drive the evolution of planets, moons and smaller bodies
• Includes information from new mission data and discoveries in recent years
• Features over 100 color illustrations and charts to more clearly convey concepts
• Offers additional online content, including figures, animations, video, and other multimedia content such as interviews with contributing authors

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Contributors
• About the editors
• Foreword
• 1: Volcanism in the Solar System
• 2: Effusive silicate volcanism: Observations and processes
• 3: Planetary volcanism: Craters, lava flows, fissures, and insights into their formation from observations of the April–August 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
• 4: Explosive volcanism: Observations and processes
• 5: Cryovolcanism
• 6: The origin of magma on planetary bodies
• 7: Ages of planetary surfaces
• 8: Composition of planetary crusts and planetary differentiation
• 9: Volcanism in the Solar System: Review, synthesis, and some outstanding questions
• Index