RESEARCH
Geophysical Modeling of Sputnik Basin on Pluto
Pluto from New Horizons
Credit: Nasa.gov
The New Horizons flyby of Pluto in 2015 lacked spatially resolved gravitational data, which has allowed for a variety of approaches for constraining the interior structure of Pluto. Assuming that the topography of the low viscosity nitrogen-rich ice deposit in Sputnik Basin conforms to Pluto's geoid, I use the topography to calculate the local gravity field over the basin. I then compare the modeled geoids to the observed topography to constrain the compensation state of the basin. The current results suggest that the basin is at least partially uncompensated or compensated by a subsurface ocean with a thick ice shell. Thermal modeling using a 1D explicit finite difference diffusion model suggests that the ocean beneath the shell may have refrozen post-impact, allowing the basin to evolve from a compensated to an uncompensated state.
Comet 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimeno
Credit: ESA Image Archives
Surface Properties of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
I am creating high resolution phase curves comparing radiance factors to observational geometry for four distinct morphologies on the comet using images from the OSIRIS NAC camera from ESA's Rosetta spacecraft. By fitting the phase curves to surface reflectance models, such as Hapke, 2012 phase function, I am able to constrain the surface properties of these morphologies and improve our quantitative understanding of cometary erosional processes and surface evolution. While comets themselves may not appear to have a direct impact on humankind, they contain organic materials and ice that will help us better understand the origin of life as we know it.
Tectonic Modeling of Vedma Dorsa, Venus
Venus
Credit: NASA.gov
Poas Volcano
Credit: Smithsonian GVP
I investigated thrust faulting mechanisms beneath ridge belts and how lithospheric composition and heat flux play a role in the deformation of the Venusian crust. This project relies heavily on geophysical modeling, relating my interpretation of the synthetic aperture radar data and cross-sectional topography to the complex processes that occur beneath the surface, and constraining fault parameters with the limited high-resolution data available The deformation on the surface may not be the result of a singular fault, but rather a thrust fault with additional complexities or a multiple fault system. I utilized ArcGIS and Coulomb 3.3 to map tectonic features, constrain parameters, and investigate stress concentrations. Our 2022 Icarus paper provides a more detailed look at this study
ASTER Remote Sensing of Latin American Volcanoes
Using ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emisson Reflection Radiometer) remote sensing data, I studied thermal anomalies at Latin American volcanoes as precursors to eruptions. I developed an in-depth understanding of how terrestrial volcanoes shape the surrounding regions, the most effective techniques used to monitor them, and ways to increase prediction capabilities that aid in the protection of neighboring populations. In addition to manually collecting thermal data, I was responsible for interpreting this data and recognizing patterns that can be useful in predictions. This project culminated in the publication of two co-authored papers (2019a, 2019b)