Geophysical evolution of planetary interiors and surfaces : Moon & Mars

Abstract

The interiors and surfaces of the terrestrial planetary bodies provide us a unique opportunity to gain insight into planetary evolution, particularly in the early stages subsequent to accretion. Both Mars and the Moon are characterized by well-preserved and ancient surfaces, that preserve a record of geological and geophysical processes that have operated both at the surface and in the interior. With accessibility to orbital and landed spacecraft, the Moon and Mars have a unique qualitative and quantitative role in understanding and constraining the evolution of solid planets in our Solar System, as well as the timing of its many major events. In this thesis I use gravity and topography data to investigate aspects of the surface and interior evolution of the Moon and Mars that include aspects of major processes: impact, volcanism, erosion and internal dynamics.