Geodynamics Science Highlight
NASA GSFC Geodynamics 921

SCIENCE HIGHLIGHT

Geodynamics Branch, Code 921

August 2004

Summer Students, Visitors Swell Branch Population

Every summer a large number of visitors joins the regular Geodynamics Branch research staff, significantly increasing not only the population of the Branch but also our research capability and productivity. This year was no exception. In addition to the 11 summer visitors, a visiting scientist Friedemann Freund) and new post-doc (Jordan Muller) joined our Branch. Summer research involved work ranging from topography and seismology to magnetic anomalies and data base development, searching for buried martian impact craters, seafloor magnetization to the origin of layered terrain in the lunar highlands. On this and the following pages our summer visitors are shown along with their mentors. A brief description of their joint research is provided.

Studies Include Magnetic Fields and Crustal Anomalies on Earth and Mars

Dan Peterson (National Space Club, Maret School) and Mike Purucker. [Studies of possible of magnetic minerals on Mars]. Rich Smith (Southern Illinois University) and Terry Sabaka. [Magnetic field modeling and aeromagnetic data analysis]. Nick Villar (National Space Club, St. Johns College HS) and Katia Nazarova. [Magnetic petrology data base development]. Katherine Haigh (Michigan State) and Friedemann Freund (Visiting Scientist from San Jose State). [Seafloor magnetization].

Seismology, Topography, and Geology of the Earth and Moon Are Areas of Concentration for both Summer and Longer term Visitors

Katy Wiest (University of Texas) and Jeanne Sauber. [Studies of glacial triggering of seismic events]. Tiffany Yang (National Space Club, Winston Churchill HS) and Paul Lowman. [Origin of layering in the lunar highlands].

POST-DOCS IN GEODYNAMICS

GEST Center Post-doc continues for a second year. Hyung-Rae Kim will continue his studies of the Earths crustal magnetic field for a second year thanks to support from SENH. Jordan Muller (left, formerly Stanford University) has joined the Geodynamics Branch as a new NRC Resident Research Associate. His post-doc advisor is Dave Harding (right). Jordan studied earthquake propagation along the Anatolian Fault in the Mid-East. His work here will involve the study of airborne lidar for mapping recent faulting and assessing earthquake risk. In addition, Scott Mest, a graduate student at the University of Pittsburg, will join the Geodynamics as a post-doc upon completion and defense of his doctoral thesis.

Topography, Volcanology and Buried Basins on Mars Are Very Active Areas of Study

Serena Weren (above left,) (Franklin & Marshall) and Katie Singer (lower right) (NC State) with Susan Sakimoto (Note: formerly at UMBC GEST, now at Notre Dame University). [Studies of volcanic features on Mars]

Christine Masuoka (National Space Club, Palotti High School) and Jim Roark. [New enhancements and other improvements to GRIDVIEW]. GRIDVIEW is an IDL-based software tool developed by Jim Roark and used by a wide range of students and professionals to analyze topographic and other data. Susan Cabello (Texas A&M), Robin Lazrus (National Space Club, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School) and Lucy Carter (Anne Arundel County Public Schools) with Herb Frey. [Buried impact features on Mars].

Contacts: Herb Frey, GSFC, Code 921, Herbert.V.Frey@nasa.gov

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Responsible NASA official: Dr. Herbert Frey

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Last modified on August 12, 2004