How Does Gravity Affect Planetary Surface Topology?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between gravitational acceleration and planetary surface topography, specifically exploring how gravity influences the height of mountains and the distribution of water on planetary surfaces. Participants examine theoretical implications, mathematical relationships, and geological factors affecting surface relief.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the maximum height of mountains relative to gravitational acceleration, suggesting that lower gravity may allow for taller mountains.
  • Others propose that various geological factors, such as material density and tectonic activity, also significantly influence mountain height, arguing that gravity is only one of many factors.
  • A participant hypothesizes that increased gravity would lead to lower surface relief and a different distribution of oceans, affecting surface albedo.
  • Concerns are raised about the "expanding Earth theory," with one participant warning against its association with non-scientific agendas.
  • Some participants discuss the density of planetary materials, noting that less dense materials can rise higher, which may explain the height differences among mountains on Earth, Mars, and Venus.
  • Mathematical relationships between mass, volume, and gravitational acceleration are debated, with some participants asserting that a calculus approach is necessary to accurately describe these relationships.
  • There are requests for equations relating to volume compression of planets and the effects of pressure on rock density.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for a function that describes how density changes with pressure, suggesting the use of the hydrostatic equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with some agreeing on the influence of gravity on mountain height while others emphasize the complexity of geological factors. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the relationship between gravity and surface topology.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their discussions, including assumptions about material density and the need for more rigorous mathematical formulations to support their hypotheses. Some mathematical claims are challenged, indicating a need for further exploration of the underlying concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying planetary geology, astrophysics, or mathematical modeling in relation to planetary formation and surface characteristics.

  • #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.
 
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  • #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! :-)
 

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