Planetary Sciences

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Planetary science is the study of the interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres of solar system objects and exoplanets. This is done through computer simulations, laboratory experiments, field studies of Earth analogs, and spacecraft investigations. The department of Earth and Space Science is active in all of these aspects, with a focus on investigations of Earth, Mars, and the icy satellites of outer planets. We take an interdisciplinary approach to study various aspects of planetary systems:

Compositional and radiative properties of planetary atmospheres and their evolution.
Polar and periglacial features and the behavior of ices.
Surface morphology, dynamics, and composition as indicators of past climates, hydrological cycles and geochemical processes.
The potential for present and past life in surface and subsurface environments.
The composition and development of the crust and planetary interiors.
The relationship between the solar wind, magnetosphere, and atmospheric development.

Faculty Members:

J. Michael Brown- Experimental and theoretical mineral physics
Roger Buick- Precambrian Life and Environments, Astrobiology
David Catling- Planetary Atmospheres, Biogeochemistry, Planetary Geomorphology (surface processes), Astrobiology
Tim Elam- Geochemistry of Mars, X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Thermal Melt Probes
Michelle Koutnik- Glaciology, Planetary Science
David Montgomery- Geomorphology (fluvial, hillslope, tectonic, and planetary)
Amit Mushkin- Neotectonics, Landscape evolution, Remote sensing, Surface processes on Mars
Ron Sletten- Permafrost physical and chemical processes; periglacial geomorphology; natural water chemistry, Mars planetary science
Jonathan Toner- planetary geochemistry, thermodynamics of aqueous solutions, astrobiology
Dale Winebrenner- Applied Physics, Glaciology, Remote Sensing
Robert Winglee- Space Plasmas, Magnetospheric Physics, Advanced Propulsion