2.9 Surface Processes
2.9.1 Introduction
Our understanding of cometary surfaces has been improved enormously by spacecraft missions. However, the details of how cometary surfaces are shaped and evolve
are still quite poorly understood. The level of complexity can be appreciated by
inspection of Fig. 2.27 which summarizes the most important processes actively
influencing surface evolution when a comet enters the inner solar system.
Fig. 2.26 Schematic diagram attempting to reconcile the information we currently have of the
interiors of cometary nuclei
Fig. 2.27 Schematic diagram of processes influencing cometary surfaces
2.9 Surface Processes
75
2.9.1 Introduction
Our understanding of cometary surfaces has been improved enormously by spacecraft missions. However, the details of how cometary surfaces are shaped and evolve
are still quite poorly understood. The level of complexity can be appreciated by
inspection of Fig. 2.27 which summarizes the most important processes actively
influencing surface evolution when a comet enters the inner solar system.
Fig. 2.26 Schematic diagram attempting to reconcile the information we currently have of the
interiors of cometary nuclei
Fig. 2.27 Schematic diagram of processes influencing cometary surfaces
2.9 Surface Processes
75