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Mars Geoscience

Studying the structure and evolution of the Red Planet.

Image: the largest ever fresh-ice-exposing crater detected on Mars. Published in Science, 2022, with SSTC researchers.

Calling all Martians!

This research theme studies the structure and evolution of Mars using the impact cratering process. This research includes expertise in understanding the origin and location of water/water ice on Mars and the Martian planetary evolution overall. To understand Mars more, our team uses:

  • Numerical impact simulations
  • Remote sensing
  • Geological mapping
  • Various meteorite analytical techniques

Our researchers have been active on the NASA InSight mission, conducting detailed mapping of the interior of Mars using impacts and seismology. We are also engaged with the Mars 2020 mission. This mission focuses on the geochemistry and structure of the local and regional geology. Head to Mission Involvement to learn more about our connection to space missions.

The SSTC researchers who are part of this theme are Professor Katarina Miljkovic, Professor Gretchen Benedix, Dr Eriita Jones, Dr Lucy Forman, and Dr Aaron Cavosie.