Planetary Geology - 3rd Edition by Dominic Fortes & Claudio Vita-Finzi (Paperback)

About the Book

In a dynamic treatment of planets of the Solar System from a unified perspective Planetary Geology deals with the origin of planetary bodies, the forces that fashion their surfaces, the rise and fall of icecaps and oceans, and the role of life in planetary history.

Book Synopsis

Planetary geology today extends far beyond the study of rocks, encompassing planetary origins, interiors, tectonics, atmospheres, oceans, and biology. It is not limited to the planets within our own solar system either. The past decade has witnessed groundbreaking missions to asteroids and comets, as well as the discovery of thousands of exoplanets orbiting distant stars.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate geological processes shaping planets both within and beyond our solar system. It introduces fundamental concepts while framing the latest developments in planetary science. With over 1,000 references from more than 170 journals, this fully updated 3rd edition:

• Focuses on geological processes rather than a planet-by-planet approach, essential for understanding the common mechanisms linking planetary bodies across the universe.
• Explains complex concepts in an accessible manner, avoiding undue reliance on mathematical formulas and equations.
• Takes into account the increasing globalisation and commercialisation of space exploration and planetary science.

A best-selling student text, Planetary Geology serves as an approachable yet in-depth introduction to a field that can seem overwhelming in its scope. Throughout, authors Dominic Fortes and Claudio Vita-Finzi foster curiosity and critical thinking, driven by the belief that a deeper understanding of planetary processes will ultimately help us better understand Earth's place in the universe.

Review Quotes

'The third edition of Planetary Geology: An Introduction by Dominic Fortes and Claudio Vita-Finzi offers a comprehensive and richly detailed journey through the geological processes shaping planetary bodies across our solar system-and even those beyond it. Structured into twelve thematic chapters, the book seamlessly integrates foundational principles of Earth and Planetary Science with the latest scientific discoveries, making it an essential resource for students, enthusiasts, and seasoned scientists alike.' Johannes M. Meusburger, Icarus

About the Author

Dominic Fortes is a Research Fellow at UCL, and where he has taught planetary geology for more than five years. He works on the physical properties of icy planetary materials and their role in the geology of icy satellites. Claudio Vita-Finzi taught planetary geology at University College London (UCL) for a dozen years before moving to the (London) Natural History Museum's Mineralogy Department. He works on solar history.