GL 107 Earth Systems Science

K. Hannula

Discussion questions for 12/5/07

1.  List the planets in order of increasing distance from the sun.  Compare their diameter, length of day (= period of rotation), and density.

2.  How are the inner (or "terrestrial") planets different from the outer (or "Jovian") planets?

3.  What is Venus' atmosphere composed of?  How is Venus similar to Earth?  How is it different?

4.  Compare and contrast Mars and Earth in terms of 1) size, 2) surface temperature, 3) atmosphere composition.

5.  Mars features a volcano the size of Ohio (Olympus Mons).  What does this imply for the possibility of plate tectonics on Mars? 

6.  What features on Mars suggest that it may have had liquid water?