Title: “Martian Geophysics and Geodesy: Insights into Volcanism and Planetary Structure”
Abstract:
“Satellite observations of a planet’s gravity and topography provide insights into its interior structure. In the past, the static components of these fields have been used to investigate the thermal evolution of the Martian lithosphere. In this study, we update our understanding of how trapped magma may contribute to these fields, revealing higher estimates of intrusive magma compared to extrusive (erupted) volcanism. These findings have significant implications for the timing and composition of volcanic volatile release into the Martian atmosphere. Looking ahead, in the post-InSight era, the time-variable components of these fields offer a reliable means to probe Mars’ interior structure. Geodetic techniques commonly used on Earth are now ready to study Martian climatic and cryogenic processes, as well as its interior. We demonstrate that seasonal changes in Mars’ polar caps produce a periodic geodetic response which, if measured, could help constrain interior properties of Mars that InSight has yet to fully resolve. Additionally, this would allow us to explore the climatic history of the polar caps.”
Biography:
I am a planetary geophysicist and geodesist working on problems related to lithospheric structure on Mars. For my Ph.D., which I just defended recently at Baylor University, I focused on using geophysical methods to investigate volcanic and tectonic processes on Mars. I’m also interested in developing new measurement techniques to advocate for geodetic missions to Mars. I’m about to start a postdoc at Brown University where I plan to use some often ignored types of geodetic data to investigate laterally varying interior structures (such as the crustal thickness, mantle viscosity, etc.) on the Moon.
To join virtually: Zoom
Contact: nick_wagner2@baylor.edu
Website: https://nlwagner.github.io/website/
Recording: Zoom Recording (will be available within a week after the seminar)