Project Info
Extraterrestrial fluvial fans
Piret Plink-Bjorklund
pplink@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
Fluvial fans are extensive fan-shaped accumulations built by river avulsions. They are common on the Earth surface and have also been recognized on Saturn’s moon Titan and on Mars. Recognition of extraterrestrial fluvial fans and their distinction from deltas is essential for assessing the presence of paleo-oceans, paleo-climate conditions and the planetary body’s potential for supporting life.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery.
Contact Piret Plink-Bjorklund pplink@mines.edu for AGU 2021 poster
Primary Contacts:
Piret Plink-Bjorklund pplink@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
willingness to learn
interest in collecting planetary and Earth surface data
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
flexible, maximum 10
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
The student will learn how to set up and conduct research projects, including scientific questions and testable hypothesis, how to plan and conduct work that ensures results, and how to disseminate the results by conference presentations or publications. The student will learn what characterizes different landforms on Earth and other planetary bodies. The student will also develop techniques for spatial and temporal data analyses using GIS, Google Earth and other platforms.
MENTORING PLAN
The student will work closely with me and with a PhD student. We will set up regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings to monitor the progress. We will together develop a research plan and decide on expected outcomes. The student is also invited to join weekly research group meetings and any activities. I will encourage the student to present at the department's yearly science fair as well as at a major conference, and to co-author a publication.
PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior