Planetary surfaces, geology and atmospheres

Our aim is to understand better the variety and evolutionary behaviour of planetary environments from a physical science perspective, where appropriate, focussing on aspects related to habitability. Currently the group’s research is directed towards the geology and geomorphology of terrestrial planets, and the weather and climate of planetary atmospheres. On the geological side we use remote sensing and planetary mapping techniques, including GIS and photogrammetry as well as terrestrial analogue fieldwork and laboratory and numerical simulation of planetary surface processes.

Our atmospheres research involves computer modelling using a variety of global and mesoscale models, but analysis of spacecraft remote sensing and in situ data also forms a large part of the work. For Mars, the atmosphere and geology strands are interlinked, and several ongoing projects explore surface-atmosphere interaction, or the effects of changing climate on surface processes. At present, much of our work is focussed on Mars and Mercury, but past and present projects have been, and will be, directed to other objects including Venus, large icy bodies, giant planets and even exoplanets.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential supervisors

• Dr Juan Alday 
• Professor Matt Balme 
• Dr Alex Barrett 
• Dr Zoe Emerland 
• Dr Peter Fawdon 
• Dr James Holmes
• Professor Stephen Lewis 
• Dr Manish Patel 
• Professor David Rothery 
• Dr Matthew Sylvest 

Fees and funding

Our research students are funded via many sources, including: industry, Doctoral Training Partnerships, the EU, self-funding, and faculty funded studentships.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Link

• Planetary and Space Sciences Research 
• School of Physical Sciences