What is the planetary geologist doing?
planetary geologist studies geology of planets than Earth and their satellites. The field, also known as astrogeology or exogeology, is closely related to traditional geology, but focuses on topics such as the inner structure of the planet and volcanic and surface activity. A planetary geologist can examine samples obtained from space missions or meteors that encountered the surface of the Earth's country. Photos and other data on comets, months and planets sent from probes are also interesting for a planetary geologist. Creating accurate planetary and lunar maps and creating conclusions about life on other planets are two of the many targets of researching a planetary geologist.
Heavenly bodies such as planets, months and comets have geological features that are scientifically significant. For example, the highest mountain in the solar system is on Mars and in Mercury there are pockets of frozen ice. Data on these functions are collected in many ways, including Via Telescope, samples collected by astronauts and photos and data from spaceCh Sond. Careful mapping and exploring these geological features can reveal much about how the body has been created, how its geological composition is compared with the Earth and whether there has been life.
The planetary geologist uses techniques from other disciplines in geology, such as geochemistry and geophysics, to study the composition and structure of geological features and the composition of other planets and their satellites. Physical analysis of samples and data and photos are primary sources of information. This research can reveal why the planet is a certain color, whether it is water, and whether there is some volcanic activity on the surface. For example, Mars is red because the planet's surface is covered with iron oxide, which is also transmitted to the atmosphere.
Important for a planetary geologist is to map the surface of the planet or one of its satellites. Cosmic probes send back photos with high surface surfaces that reveal the kingTery and other functions such as mountains and valleys, as well as color and texture. High-resolution orbital photographs can be combined with 3-D modeling to increase the surface image and reveal even small details. Evidence of lanes that intersects in the spring and summer on Mars into a crater section can help a planetary geologist to make conclusions on the presence of liquid rather than just frozen water. Liquid water provides a better environment for life than water in a frozen state.
In addition to mapping, a planetary geologist can also focus on impact cakes and planetary atmosphere. Kratering Impact is a primary geological process that forms planetary surfaces and can form many geological features. The geologist must distinguish between Kratering caused by volcanic activity and by the fact that the impact of a foreign body is caused. The planetary atmosphere can reveal much about the differences in gravitational forces, but also to shape planetary surfaces with wind, frost and precipitation.
career as a planetary geologistrequires a doctoral title in this subject. As it is a niche within geology, only a small number of institutions in this area offer advanced titles. Most of the planetary geologists in the United States are employed at universities, the unification of the state of geology Survey Astrogeology Science Center and the National Aviation and Space Administration. They conduct research and create planetary and lunar maps that emphasize everything from evidence of past water concentrations to the impact of craters and volcanic activity.