Planetary Geology pdf - NASA

Unit
Five
Maps have been used since the dawn of
communication, when early hunters
scratched simple maps in dirt with sticks.
Through the years maps have evolved to show a
wide variety of cultural and political subdivisions,
historical events, and natural features. Maps figure
prominently in exploration, including solar system
exploration.
Geologic maps show the distribution of rocks and
structures (such as faults) exposed on planetary surfaces.
Geologic maps on Earth are usually derived
from field work in which the geologist can examine
rock exposures, called outcrops, up close. Geologists
also use aerial photographs and other remote sensing
data to construct geologic maps of Earth.
Introduction to
Planetary Geologic
Mapping
181
Except for the six Apollo landing sites on the
Moon, direct field observations are not available for
making planetary geologic maps. Consequently,
most geologic maps of planets and satellites are
derived from photographs and other remote sensing
data, using the same geologic principles used
on Earth. Planetary geologic maps are similar to
preliminary maps constructed for Earth prior to
field work.
This unit includes three exercises. The first introduces
students to the principles of planetary geologic
mapping using photographs, the next two
enable the student to put those principles into practice
by mapping parts of the Moon and Mars.
EG-1998-03-109-HQ Activities in Planetary Geology for the Physical and Earth Sciences