Planetary Science
Sue Keiffer focuses on events where the fluid dynamics requires the incorporation of strongly nonlinear effects that occur in some “extreme” events: such as meteorite impacts, geyser and volcanic eruptions, and major river floods. She currently is working on modelling studies of events ranging from the explosion of Mt. Saint Helens to the geyser activity of Yellowstone to the eruption of gas and vapor plumes on Enceladus (a moon of Saturn) to the formation of meteor craters on Mars. Prof. Jie Li investigates phase relations, chemical equilibrium, and physical properties of planetary materials under high pressure and high temperature. The results can be combined with seismic observations, cosmochemical constraints, and dynamic models to clarify our view of the interiors of terrestrial bodies.
- Prof. Susan Kieffer Dynamics of volcanic eruptions and of meteorite impacts