Surface Processes

Abstract

Planetary surfaces are shaped by a large variety of processes. The presence of an atmosphere is certainly the most important parameter that controls these exogenic processes. For this reason, Mars and Saturn’s satellite Titan are the planetary surfaces that have the largest diversity of landforms and the closest resemblances to Earth. The lack of an atmosphere does not mean the lack of surface processes. For instance, mass wasting and sublimation exist without the presence of an atmosphere. However, the surfaces of atmosphere-free bodies are more directly controlled by endogenous processes and impact craters compared to atmosphere-bearing bodies, explaining that this chapter focuses more on the latter. Gravity, temperatures and composition are also major parameters controlling surface processes. The goal of this chapter is to focus on surface processes that are most relevant for planetary bodies, taking Earth as reference and applying the knowledge acquired on Earth to planetary bodies.