Course summary

Planetary Science applies a fundamental knowledge of isotopes and chemistry together with new observations to understand natural systems. Together with a strong history of designing and building many of its own instruments, group research interests extend from extraterrestrial systems and early solar system processes to addressing some of the key resource and environmental problems society faces today. We work on precious samples from the moon, mars, rare meteorites and samples returned by NASA missions. Research includes understanding the processes forming the solar system starting material, the rate and timing of the formation of meteorites and early solar system bodies leading to the formation of the terrestrial planets. We have projects that study how the Earth's mantle works and those that reveal the workings of volcanic systems in place like Iceland. We use isotopes to trace ocean circulation and climate change, investigate safe carbon dioxide sequestration and understand drinking water contamination processes that can affect millions.