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Chapter 8: Problem 11

\(\mathbf{T} / \mathbf{F}:\) Volcanism has been present on all the terrestrial planets.

Short Answer

Expert verified
True. There is evidence of volcanic activity on Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Term 'Terrestrial Planets'

Terrestrial planets are the inner planets in our solar system that have a solid, rocky surface. These planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
02

Define Volcanism

Volcanism refers to the process through which magma (molten rock) from a planet's interior is expelled onto its surface, forming structures such as volcanoes, lava flows, and volcanic rocks.
03

Research Volcanism on Each Terrestrial Planet

Examine whether there is evidence of past or present volcanic activity on all terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars).
04

Determine the Validity of the Statement

Based on the research, assess whether volcanism has indeed been present on each of these four planets.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Terrestrial Planets
Terrestrial planets are the rocky planets found in the inner part of the solar system. These include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are distinct from gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn because they have solid surfaces made mainly of silicate rocks and metals.

Key attributes:
  • Solid surface: Unlike gas giants, terrestrial planets have a well-defined surface where you can stand.
  • Thin atmospheres: Their atmospheres are relatively thin. Earth, for example, supports life, while Venus has a thick toxic atmosphere.
  • Presence of mountains, valleys, craters: These features are caused by various geological activities.
Earth is the most well-known terrestrial planet because it is our home. It supports life because of its oxygen-rich atmosphere and liquid water. Understanding these planets is essential for planetary geology.
Volcanism
Volcanism is the eruption of magma from beneath the surface of a planet. It creates various structures such as volcanoes, lava plains, and volcanic rocks. Volcanism is a key geological process that shapes a planet's surface.

Components:
  • Magma: Molten rock below the planet’s surface.
  • Lava: Magma that reaches the surface.
  • Volcanoes: Conical structures formed by multiple eruptions.
  • Lava plains: Large areas covered by lava flows.
Volcanism plays a critical role in planetary geology. It helps release internal heat and gases and shapes the landscape. Volcanic activity has been observed on all terrestrial planets in our solar system at different intensities and times. Some planets have active volcanism, while others show signs of past volcanic events.
Solar System
The solar system consists of the Sun and the celestial bodies orbiting around it, including planets, their moons, asteroids, and comets. Our solar system is located in the Milky Way galaxy and contains eight known planets.

Key elements:
  • Sun: The star at the center of the solar system.
  • Planets: Eight major planets orbit the Sun - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
  • Asteroids: Small rocky bodies mainly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
  • Comets: Icy bodies that have eccentric orbits and develop tails as they approach the Sun.
Understanding the solar system’s components helps scientists study the formation and evolution of planets. The study of terrestrial planets within our solar system offers insights into Earth’s own geological processes, like volcanism.
Planetary Geology
Planetary geology, also known as astrogeology, is the study of the structure, composition, processes, and history of planets and moons. It extends the principles of Earth geology to other celestial bodies.

Fields of study:
  • Geological structures: Mountains, craters, lava plains, etc.
  • Surface composition: Understanding the types of rocks and minerals present.
  • Internal processes: Investigating volcanic activity, tectonics, and erosion.
  • History: Studying the evolution and development of planetary bodies.
Planetary geology is crucial for understanding the potential for life on other planets and for planning future space missions. Volcanism, for example, provides clues about a planet’s interior and its ability to release heat and gases. Such geological activities can significantly alter planetary surfaces over time.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Volcanoes have been found on all of the terrestrial planets. Where are the largest volcanoes in the inner Solar System?

T/F: Large worlds remain geologically active longer than small ones.

Of the four processes that shape the surface of a terrestrial world, the one with the greatest potential for catastrophic rearrangement is a. impact cratering. b. volcanism. c. tectonism. d. erosion.

Imagine that you are rock collecting in Arizona and you find rock containing shock-modified quartz. You immediately know that the rock a. formed during an impact. b. formed in a volcano. c. has been heavily eroded. d. was crushed by tectonic plates.

If crater \(\mathrm{A}\) is inside crater \(\mathrm{B}\), we know that a. crater A was formed before crater B. b. crater B was formed before crater A. c. both craters were formed at about the same time. d. crater B formed crater A. e. crater A formed crater B.
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