Chapter 10: Earth and Mars

A collection of flashcards covering major concepts, facts, and key details from Chapter 10 about Earth and Mars.

What is the name of the rover that tracked Mars' surface between 2004 and 2010?

Spirit Rover.

How long was the Spirit rover on Mars compared to its expected lifespan?

Twenty times longer than expected.

What significant geological feature on Mars does Olympus Mons represent?

The largest volcano in the solar system.

Which spacecraft captured one of the best photos of Mars in June 2001?

Hubble Space Telescope.

What do the dark streaks called recurring slope lineae on Mars indicate?

Locations where salty liquid water flows on or just below the surface.

What was the purpose of the Viking landers on Mars?

To photograph and study the Martian surface and its characteristics.

What is the name of the high-resolution imaging technique used in the Mars Global Surveyor?

Laser ranging.

What does the radar map of Venus reveal about its surface?

It shows tectonic features and elevation differences.

What was Percival Lowell known for regarding Mars?

He created globes showing canals and oases he believed he saw on Mars.

What geological evidence suggests that liquid water once existed on Mars?

Ancient river valleys and lakebeds.

What did the Venera 13 spacecraft show about Venus' surface conditions?

A thick atmosphere that absorbs bluer colors, making surfaces appear orange.

What is unique about the pancake-shaped volcanoes on Venus?

They are formed from highly viscous lava that spreads uniformly.

What does the image of dust devils on Mars illustrate about its atmosphere?

Dust devils help redistribute dust via Martian winds.

What feature identifies the Lakshmi Plains on Venus?

A cross-hatched grid of cracks and ridges caused by tectonic forces.

How does the temperature in Venus' atmosphere change with height?

The temperature rises steeply below the clouds due to the greenhouse effect.

What is significant about the Gale Crater as observed by the Curiosity rover?

It contains an ancient lakebed and evidence of past liquid water.