Worksheet for exam

The exam will consist of 40-45 multiple choice questions, that cover all the material discussed in class. Most of the material is contained in the outlines. Topics that should be studied in particular are:

• History of planetary research: Copernicus, Kepler, Newton, space age.
• Basic properties: Size, density, temperature, bulk composition, phase.
• Origin of the solar system: Condensation sequences, large scale evolution.
• Comparative planetology: Comparison with Earth.
• Meteorites: Classification, parent bodies.
• Tectonics: Plate tectonics, plume tectonics, surface expression, sources of heat.
• Atmospheres: Composition, structure, circulation, evolution.
• Greenhouse effect: Solar radiation, greenhouse gases, evolution.
• Craters: Structure, difference between planets.
• Time scale: Relative vs absolute timescale, dating techniques.
• Origin of the Moon: Theories and observations.
• Jovian planetsInterior structure, evolution, heat sources, clouds, ring systems. Galilean moons; other moons in the outer solar system (similarities with the Earthlike planets).
• Exploration of the solar system Historic and present day missions (Apollo, Mariner, Voyager, Viking, Galileo, Mars Pathfinder and Global Surveyor).
• Geographic names Large scale structures on the planets, Maxwell Montes, Aphrodite Terra, Imbrium basin, Copernicus crater, Caloris basin, Olympus Mons, Valles Marineris.

Interactive test of course material

To help you test your knowledge of the material discussed in class there is an online test available. The questions are somewhat different from those that will be asked at the final exam; it is more based on facts and less on concepts and interpretations.

Peter van Keken: last updated 10/10/05.