How Does Gravity Affect Planetary Surface Topology?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between a planet's smoothness and its surface gravitational acceleration, particularly focusing on the maximum height of mountains and the percentage of Earth's surface that would be covered by water if gravitational conditions changed during its formation. It highlights that while gravity influences mountain height, other factors such as geological composition, tectonic activity, and isostatic equilibrium also play significant roles. The conversation references the heights of mountains on Mars and Venus, attributing their elevation to lower gravity and different geological conditions. The need for mathematical formulations to relate gravitational acceleration, density, and mountain height is emphasized, with suggestions for further research and relevant literature. The complexities of rock density and compression under pressure are discussed, pointing out that density varies with depth and is influenced by temperature and composition. Overall, the thread underscores the multifaceted nature of planetary geology and the need for a nuanced understanding of how gravity interacts with geological processes.
  • #31
billiards said:
Realistically, I don't imagine planets really get that much denser than the rocky planets (although I would be excited to be shown otherwise) - so the planet would have to be very large. .

Actually the paper by Valencia, which has been heavily cited in recent Super-Earth papers, provdes an thorough and careful model that concludes significant compression of terrestial planets occurs.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #32
We now return you to your regular broadcasting

natski said:
It's really a moot point anyway since it's only a side remark. What I was trying to say si that as the weight of the mantle compresses the core (i.e. the internal pressure incerases), then the gravity at the surface will also increae since the radius has increased

Decreased. OK, sorry, I misunderstood.
 
Last edited:
  • #33
Yup decreased, sorry! :-)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K