ONGOING RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
ANTARCTICA
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MARS
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Composition of the Transantarctic Mntns. Remote sensing and associated field work to better understand the primary and secondary composition of this largely ice-free continent. Evolution of Biological Communities Characterization of photosynthetic micro-organisms from orbit to understand their spatial and temporal variability throughout the McMurdo Dry Valleys. Weathering vs. Surface Exposure Quantitatively relating the measured alteration of rock surfaces and their exposure to the cold and dry Antarctic environment. OTHER FIELD STUDIES
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MSL Curiosity Rover Operations
Participating in daily rover operations activities to accomplish the scientific goals and objectives of the Curiosity rover mission. Understanding "Modern" Surface Alteration Comparing the chemistry and mineralogy of rock interiors relative to their surfaces at Mars rover landing sites in an effort to understand how the modern martian climate is modifying the geologic landscape. Relating Geochemistry to Geomorphology Why do these two fundamental components of geological research often disagree with each other across the martian surface? What are we missing? Compositional Evolution of Volcanic Landscapes How has the composition of Mars' major volcanic provinces evolved with time? What can this tell us about the geologic history of Mars and the geochemical evolution of its interior? IMAGE PROCESSING
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Fe-Oxides of the Bahariya Oasis, Egypt
We are investigating the Bahariya Oasis of Western Egypt as a geologic analog to surface processes and geochemical signatures on Mars. Morphological Changes in Desert River Channels Flashy river systems in northern Arizona share similar morphologies to channel systems on Mars. What can this analog tell us about the nature and duration of fluvial activity on Mars' surface? Quantifying Surface Roughness Why are lava flows some of the "smoothest" surfaces on Mars and some of the "roughest" surfaces on Earth? We are using different datasets to investigate how apparent surface roughness changes with technique and spatial resolution. |
Remote Sensing Cyberinfrastructure
Identifying strategies to help Earth (and planetary) scientists more effectively mine and utilize large volumes of satellite images to answer critical scientific questions. Refining Atmospheric Correction Techniques How do you best estimate and remove atmospheric contributions to satellite images when validation is not possible? How do you balance resources and time with "good enough" results? |
Research Highlight: Claire Gibson ('24)
Is Early Mars Really More Altered than Modern Mars? A Statistical Assessment
This work, presented at the 2021 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, performs a statistical assessment of the long-held hypothesis that more chemical and aqueous alteration occurred early in Mars' geologic history while less alteration occurred in later geologic epochs.