Read These Notes: In an earlier objective, you studied how tectonic processes help shape the surface of terrestrial planets. After reading the assigned pages in your text. you should be able to describe how non-tectonic surface processes such as the action of an atmosphere, running water, wind, ice, and gravity, help shape a terrestrial planet's surface. The Earth's surface is the most complex. The action of the atmosphere, running water, ice and gravity interact to create complex landforms. Surface processes on Mercury are less complex since it lacks a permanent atmosphere and surface water. On Mars, which today has no running water, we find landforms typical of those shaped by running water. This implies that, although today, running water is not a significant agent in shaping the Martian surface, it may have been significant in the past. By comparing and contrasting surface processes and landforms on the terrestrial planets, we can arrive at a better understanding of the diverse geologic history of the terrestrial planets.

Homework Questions: Answer these homework questions after reading the on-line lecture and the readings in the text. Complete the self-check questions before attempting the homework. Follow the instructions for submitting the homework on the unit homework page.

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Discussion Questions: After studying this objective be prepared to contribute to the following discussion questions. Follow the instructions on the Unit Discussions page to submit your contribution.

• Surface Processes on Terrestrial Planets: The surface features of each of the terrestrial planets are a product of internal processes (eg. tectonics and volcanism), surface processes (eg. erosion by wind and running water) and extraterrestrial processes (eg. meteorite impact). Describe how surfaces processes such as running water, wind, gravity, etc. have helped to shape the surface of one of the terrestrial planets.

  IMPORTANT: Do not include volcanic activity and tectonic activity such as earthquakes as a surface process. They are considered a tectonic process and is discussed in a different topic.

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