Chapter 13: Comparative Planetology of the Terrestrial Planets
Comparative Planetology – understanding planets by searching for and analyzing contrasts and
similarities among them
Mantle – the layer of dense rock and metal oxides that lies between the molten core and Earth’s surface
or a similar layer in another planet
P Wave – a type of seismic wave involving compression and decompression of the material through
which is passes
S Wave – a type of seismic wave involving lateral motion of the material through which it passes
Primary Atmosphere – a planet’s first atmosphere
Secondary Atmosphere – a planet’s atmosphere that replaces the primary atmosphere, for example by
outgassing, impact of volatile-bearing planetesimals, or biological activity
Greenhouse Effect – the process by which a carbon dioxide atmosphere traps heat and raises the
temperature of a planetary surface
Global Warming – the gradual increase in the surface temperature of Earth caused by human
modifications to Earth’s atmosphere
Subduction Zone – a deep trench where one plate slides under another
Rift Valley – forms where continental plates begin to pull apart
Maria (Mare) – one of the lunar lowlands filled by successive flows of dark lava
Albedo – the ratio of the amount of light reflected from an object to the amount of light received by the
object; equals 0 for perfectly black and 1 fo
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