Research into the geological processes operating on Mars relies on interpretation of images and other data returned by unmanned orbiters, probes and landers. Such interpretations are based on our knowledge of processes occurring on Earth Terrestrial analog studies therefore play an important role in understanding the geological features observed on Mars. This is the first book to present direct comparisons between locales on Earth and Mars, and contains contributions from leading planetary geologists to demonstrate the parallels and differences between these two neighboring planets. Mars is characterized by a wide range of geological phenomena that also occur on Earth, including tectonic, volcanic, impact cratering, eolian, fluvial, glacial and possibly lacustrine and marine processes. The book provides terrestrial analogs for newly acquired data sets from Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Express, and will therefore be a key reference for students and researchers of planetary science.

Introduction M. G. Chapman; 1. The geology of Mars: New insights and outstanding questions J. W. Head; 2. Impact structures on Earth and Mars N. G. Barlow, V. Sharpton and R. O. Kusmin; 3. Terrestrial analogs to the calderas of the Tharsis volcanoes on Mars P. J. Mouginis-Mark, A. J. L. Harris and S. K. Rowland; 4. Volcanic features of New Mexico analogous to volcanic features on Mars L.S. Crumpler, J.C. Aubele and J.R. Zimbelman; 5. Comparison of flood lavas on Earth and Mars L. Keszthelyi and A. McEwen; 6. Rootless volcanic cones on Iceland and on Mars S. A. Fagents and T. Thordarson; 7.Mars interior layered deposits and terrestrial sub-ice volcanoes compared: Observations and interpretations of similar geomorphic characteristics M. G. Chapman and J. L. Smellie; 8. Unique lava flow morphologies in Amazonis Planitia, Mars: Interactions of ice, dust and lava? T. Gregg; 9. Aeolian features in the western United States as analogs to wind-related features on Mars J. R. Zimbelman and S. H. Williams; 10. Debris flows in Greenland and on Mars F. Costard, F. Forget, V. Jomelli, N. Mangold and J. Peulvast; 11. Siberian rivers and Martian outflow channels: an analogy F. Costard and E. Gautier; 12. Formation of valleys and cataclysimic flooding on Earth and Mars G. Komatsu and V. R. Baker; 13. Playa environments on Earth: Possible analogues for Mars G. Komatsu, G. G. Ori, L. Maninangeli and J. E. Moersch; 14. Signatures of habitats and life in Earth's high-altitude lakes: clues to Noachian aqueous environments on Mars N. A. Cabrol, E. A. Grin, K. T. Kiss, E. Ács, I. Grigorszky, K. Szabò, B. Tóth, D. A. Fike, A. N. Hock, C. Demergasso, L. Escudero, G. Chong, P. Galleguillos, B.H Grigsby, J. Zambrana Román, C. P. McKay and C. Tambley; 15. The canyonlands model for 'simple' planetary grabens: Revised physical basis and implications R. A. Schultz, J. M. Moore, E. B. Grosfils, K.L. Tanaka and D. Mège; 16. Geochemical analogues and Martian meteorites H. E. Newsom; 17. Integrated mission simulation design using analogues for science-driven geological and biological planetary exploration with humans and robots K. Snook, B. Glass, G. Briggs and J. Jasper; Index.