Exploring Space, Exploring Earth: New Understanding of the Earth from Space Research

ISBN-13: 9780521890625 / Angielski / Miękka / 2002 / 408 str.

Paul D. Lowman; Neil Armstrong

Opis

This book describes the impact of space flight on geology and geophysics, beginning with a foreword by Neil Armstrong, which illustrates how the exploration of space has lead us to a far deeper understanding of our own planet. Direct results from Earth-orbital missions include studies of Earth's gravity and magnetic fields. In contrast, the recognition of the economic and biological significance of impact craters on Earth is an indirect consequence of the study of the geology of other planets. The final chapter presents a new theory for the tectonic evolution of the Earth based on comparative planetology and the Gaia concept.

Recenzje

'… a well researched, well illustrated and a well referenced book … I believe that the book is guaranteed to start the serious geologist looking at traditional ideas and concepts in a slightly different light.' Open University Geological Society Journal

Spis treści

Foreword Neil Armstrong; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Preview of the orbital perspective: the Million Year Day; 2. Space geodesy; 3. Satellite studies of geomagnetism; 4. Remote sensing: the view from space; 5. Impact cratering and terrestrial geology; 6. Comparative planetology and the origin of continental crust; 7. Geology and biology: the influence of life on terrestrial geology; Afterword; Appendix A. Elements of physical geology; Appendix B. Lunar missions, 1958 to 1994; Appendix C. Planetary missions, 1961 to 1992; Glossary of geologic terms; Selected bibliography (by chapter); Index.