Triton's subsurface ocean
September, 2012
Here's another article in astrobilogy magazine discussing the implications of Jodi Gaeman's research on a possible subsurface ocean in Triton on extraterrestrial life.
The outermost ocean in our solar system
May, 2012
A recent article in Icarus, led by former graduate student Jodi Gaeman suggests the presence of an ocean under the icy shell of Neptune's moon, Triton. If present, this ocean will be the outermost known ocean in our solar system. At an average temperature of -97° C, this ammonia-rich ocean was sustained over 4.5 billion years by tidal blanketing and readiogenic heating.
Read more about this research in this New Scientist article.
Undergraduate Research Assistantships in the Magma Dynamics group
Scientific Visualization
This project involves developing visualization tools for microstructure in partially molten rocks. The input data, generated by microgeodynamic simulations, is available in vtk format. VTK (Visualization ToolKit), a C++ library, is a popular interface for scientific visualization. The project will involve developing filters for vtk through C++. Requirements:
The candidate is required to have a strong programming background in C++ and/or Python in a Linux environment. Previous experience with vtk and/or Paraview is welcome, but not necessary.
Tidal Dissipation
This project involves numerical modeling of tidal heating in planetary interiors. The candidate will work on a collaborative project with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. The research will entail calculating and visualizing tidal heating profile in two and three dimensions for various orbital parameters. Requirements:
The candidate needs to be well-versed with programming in C and modular programming with Makefile. A strong background in Linux is necessary. Previous knowledge of Geophysics, Planetary Sciences, or Astronomy is not necessary, but will be advantageous.
Please email me to set up an interview appointment.