Rock-forming minerals record past and present environmental conditions hence could shed light on the prevailing local climate. By using spectral analysis a range of minerals has been detected on surfaces of different planetary bodies, and it remains essential in understanding the geochemical processes that formed the minerals. Knowing the mineralogical composition of a planetary surface is one key to understand its evolution over time.
This session will address results from previous and ongoing missions and covers surface morphology, geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and petrology. Our session is not limited to extraterrestrial missions; studies of terrestrial regions are included and essential for the exchange of ideas among scientists with common interests and should be stimulated.