Bethany Ehlmann uses remote sensing and lander-based spectroscopic data of surface composition to understand the geologic evolution of planetary bodies, including the Moon and Mars, makes field and laboratory studies of geologic materials, and is heavily involved with JPL and planetary missions. Katherine de Kleer studies volcanism on Io and uses telescopes to interrogate the surface properties of icy satellites and small bodies. Mike Brown uses studies the surface composition of Kuiper Belt objects, Trojans, and Europa.
Elsewhere in the Division, many faculty are interested in planetary surfaces and planetary geology research. John Grotzinger is a leader in the interpretation of sedimentological processes and history on Mars. Mike Lamb studies surface processes and geomorphology, including Mars sedimentology and mass wasting on the Moon. Jean-Philippe Avouac studies surface change, including sand dune migration on Mars. Ken Farley has performed in situ dating of planetary surfaces and the study of Cl isotopes on Mars. John Eiler and Francois Tissot use isotopic geochemistry to understand the origin and evolution of planets (including Earth). Joann Stock is interested in Venus volcanism. Woody Fischer is interested in the interpretation of Martian chemical data and comparison to early Earth.
