Geologic features of other planets and moons in the solar system compared with Earth, from an intro geology course.
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- What causes Venus's extreme surface temperature?
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A runaway greenhouse effect from a dense CO2 atmosphere- What are the steep cliffs called that cover much of Mercury?
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Discovery Rupes and other scarps formed by planetary contraction- Why does Mercury have extreme temperature swings between day and night?
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It lacks an atmosphere and rotates very slowly- What is Olympus Mons?
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The largest volcano by area in the solar system, located on Mars- What is Valles Marineris?
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A massive canyon system and rift valley on Mars- What evidence shows that liquid water once flowed on Mars?
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Ancient river valleys, deltas, and alluvial fans visible in satellite imagery- What gives Mars its characteristic rusty red color?
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Iron oxide minerals, particularly hematite- What is the dominant erosion process on Mars today?
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Wind erosion and aeolian transport of dust and sand- How does Earth's plate tectonics differ from Mars?
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Earth has active plate boundaries that continue to move; Mars has extinct tectonics- What is the Great Red Spot on Jupiter?
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A giant anticyclonic storm system that has persisted for centuries- What are the primary gases in Jupiter's atmosphere?
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Hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of methane and ammonia- What is Jupiter's internal heat source?
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Gravitational contraction and residual heat from formation- What is Saturn's ring system primarily composed of?
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Water ice and rock and dust particles- Name two of Saturn's largest moons.
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Any two of: Titan, Enceladus, Iapetus, Rhea, or Dione- What is unique about Uranus's rotation?
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It rotates on its side with an axial tilt of about 98 degrees
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