AST101H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9.1-9.3: Basalt, Lunar Mare, Abrasive Blasting

• School: UTSG
• Department: Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Course: AST101H1
• Professor: Bryan Gaensler

Document Summary

What are terrestrial planets like on the inside? transfer of hot molecules to cooler molecules. Affects how hot and cold --> drives activity (ex: small mercury and. 3 basic requirements for magnetic field: interior region of electrically conducting fluid convection in layer of fluid moderately rapid rotation. Vibrations that travel through both interior and along surface after an earthquake. Total density - surface density = interior density. Dense sinks and less dense rose to surface. Categorize layers by rock strength instead of density. Thicker lithosphere = less volcanic eruption, format of mountain. Small objects have weak gravity - can"t overcome rigidity of rick. Heat in interior is primary driver of activity, produced by planet. Gravitational potential --> thermal from friction of sinking and rising. Radioactive decay: transfer from radioactive material in rock/metal --> thermal. Earth is the only planet to meet all three and have a strong magnetic field. Tend to rise if surrounded by high density.