Airless Bodies of the Inner Solar System (eBook)

Airless Bodies of the Inner Solar System: Understanding the Process Affecting Rocky, Airless Surfaces focuses on the airless, rocky bodies in the inner solar system as a host unto themselves, with a unique set of processes that require a specific set of investigative techniques. The book allows readers to understand both the basic and advanced concepts necessary to understand and employ that information. Topics covered past exploration of these surfaces, changes with time, space weathering, impact cratering, creation and evolution of regolith and soils, comparison of sample and remote sensing data, dust characterization, surface composition and thoughts for future exploration.

Together these authors represent the unique combination of skills and experience required to produce an excellent book on the subject of the surfaces of airless, rocky bodies in the solar system, which will be useful both for graduate students and for working scientists.

• Written by experts with a unique combination of skills and experience on the subject of the surfaces of airless, rocky bodies in the solar system
• Addresses the unique nature of airless bodies not done in any other reference
• Organized into subjects that can be easily translated into classroom lecture points
• Represents topics that scientists will want to pinpoint and browse

Dr. Grier is a Senior Scientist and Education Specialist who works remotely from her base in Columbia, MD. Her research interests and areas of expertise include: analysis of multispectral images of terrestrial planets and asteroids, thermal impact crater formation and morphology, and chronologies of impact events and solid surfaces through examination of remote sensing and isotopic age data. Some of her specific research has: determined the relative ages of rayed impact craters on the Moon through optical maturity of crater ejecta, dated fluvial channels on Mars with impact crater statistics, found the ages of thermal impact events on asteroids by examination of meteorites, and estimated the time of formation of the Gardnos impact structure on Earth.

In addition to research, Dr. Grier has broad interests in science education and public outreach. These interests include: scientist engagement in E/PO, the development of critical thinking skills, and imparting an understanding of our context within the Solar System and larger universe. Some of her specific education work has included: working with school systems to develop science curricula, partnering with science museums to vet exhibit content, offering professional development workshops to teachers and Girl Scout leaders, and teaching classes at the university level.

When not engaged in research or education projects, Dr. Grier: writes and reads science fiction stories and poetry, blogs at 'Fictional Planet” (onewritersmind.blogspot.com), makes and sells beaded gemstone jewelry, goes wine tasting, plays video games, and thinks about getting a cat.

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Airless Bodies of the Inner Solar System: Understanding the Process Affecting Rocky, Airless Surfaces focuses on the airless, rocky bodies in the inner solar system as a host unto themselves, with a unique set of processes that require a specific set of investigative techniques. The book allows readers to understand both the basic and advanced concepts necessary to understand and employ that information. Topics covered past exploration of these surfaces, changes with time, space weathering, impact cratering, creation and evolution of regolith and soils, comparison of sample and remote sensing data, dust characterization, surface composition and thoughts for future exploration. Together these authors represent the unique combination of skills and experience required to produce an excellent book on the subject of the surfaces of airless, rocky bodies in the solar system, which will be useful both for graduate students and for working scientists. Written by experts with a unique combination of skills and experience on the subject of the surfaces of airless, rocky bodies in the solar system Addresses the unique nature of airless bodies not done in any other reference Organized into subjects that can be easily translated into classroom lecture points Represents topics that scientists will want to pinpoint and browse