Universe, Solar System, Planets

Understand the Big Bang theory and its evidence

• expansion of galaxies
• 2.7 degree Kelvin background radiation

Understand the physical evolution leading to solar system and planets

• hydrogen -> helium -> heavier elements manufactured in stars

Relationship of meteorite compositions and ages to the age and evolution of the solar system

• stones: mantle and crust of asteroid - 93% of meteorites
• irons: core of disrupted asteroids - 6% of meteorites
• stony-irons: core/mantle contact zone

Explain the physical differences between Jovian and Terrestrial planets

• which are which?
• how did each type evolve?

Terrestrial planets underwent structural differentiation

• core, mantle, crust

Why do the terrestrial planets have different climates?

• role of greenhouse gases
• how gases are recycled
• size and gravity

Explain the accretion of the Earth

• what drove it?

Origin of the Moon?

• co-accretion, capture, collision

Generalizations:

• cratering was dominant process early on in solar system
• geologic histories have been deduced using stratigraphic relations
• terrestrial planets have experienced: bombardment, lavas, light bombardment
• Moon and Mercury are primitive
• Mars has atmosphere, evidence for flowing water and tectonism
• Venus: evidence for impact, tectonism, volcanism, erosion