Extraterrestrial and mantle processes theme
By combining mineral, chemical and isotopic tracers with high precision chronometers this theme seeks to explore the evolution of primitive asteroids and Mars, and understand the nature and composition of the deep Earth. We are also developing hardware for planetary exploration. Current areas of research include:
Mars
- Exploring the history of its atmosphere, hydrosphere and possibly also its biosphere by analysis of martian meteorites and terrestrial analogues
- Development equipment for planetary rovers, including drilling tools and argon isotope dating equipment
C-type asteroids
- Uncovering the history of water in the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites by mineralogical, microtextural and oxygen isotope investigations
Terrestrial impact craters
- The mechanics of impacts and identification of proximal and distal ejecta deposits
Theme members
Based in the School of Geographical & Earth Sciences (GES):
Martin Lee, Paula Lindgren, Vernon Phoenix
Based at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Center (SUERC):
Philippa Ascough, Ben Cohen, Darren Mark, Fin Stuart,
Current postgraduate students
Helene Breton, Adrienne Macartney, Nick Thomas
Projects
Facilities and resources