We employ a variety of perspectives and tools, including remote sensing, geophysical and terrestrial analog studies, and analysis of extraterrestrial samples returned to Earth to investigate planetary systems. Research topics vary widely, from the hydrologic and geologic history of Mars, the role of impact cratering in the structure and composition of planets and moons, interactions between planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres and their roles in planetary habitability, and cosmochemical studies of the early stages of the solar system. Through these studies we develop new theory and understanding of the chemical, physical, and geological evolution of planetary bodies across the solar system.
Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences
Planetary Geosciences
Exploring surface and interior processes of planets throughout the solar system to understand their formation and evolution.
Planetary Geosciences
Exploring surface and interior processes of planets throughout the solar system to understand their formation and evolution.
Faculty
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Sam Birch
Assistant Professor -
Gerrit Budde
Assistant Professor -
Ingrid Daubar
Assistant Professor (Research) -
James W. Dottin III
Assistant Professor -
Alex Evans
Assistant Professor -
Yongsong Huang
Professor -
Christian Huber
Professor -
Daniel Ibarra
Manning Assistant Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and Environment and Society -
Yan Liang
Professor -
Ralph Milliken
Associate Professor -
John Mustard
Professor -
Stephen Parman
Associate Professor -
Alberto Saal
Professor
Research Facilities & Resources
Planetary News
NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is returning to Earth carrying an estimated 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of material gathered from the surface of an asteroid. Takahiro Hiroi, DEEPS Senior Research Scientist and Spectroscopy Specialist, shared his optimism for the mission, saying, “Returned samples can additionally [preserve] microscopic, including nanophase, materials that can be evidence of space weathering or shock events, most elements and isotopes, grain density, [and] material strength.”
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News from DEEPS
Kim Cobb and Alberto Saal elected as AGU Fellows
Professors Kim Cobb and Alberto Saal have been elected as American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Fellows. They join 53 other individuals in the 2023 Class of Fellows. AGU, the world's largest Earth and space sciences association, annually recognizes a select number of individuals for its highest honors. Since 1962, the AGU Union Fellows Committee has selected less than 0.1% of members as new Fellows.
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CGTN: The Agenda
Mission to the Moon
In a recent episode of The Agenda, Juliet Mann speaks to James Head, Professor of Geological Sciences at Brown University, who helped select landing sites for the Apollo moon program, and Xu Yansong, Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Program.
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Banner image produced by Lynced Torres, KVA Kennedy & Violich Architecture, Ltd. for the renovated Lincoln Field Building (2022).