Planetary Geophysics
Spherical model of deformation of Saturn's moon Enceladus. (Berne and Simons)
Geophysical observations from seismology and geodesy allow us to address fundamental questions concerning the tectonics and interior dynamics, structure & composition of the planets. The Seismo Lab has active efforts in various facets of planetary geophysics and members of the lab are involved with planned and proposed missions or experiments to the Moon, Venus, and icy satellites. Moreover, we are developing new methods of seismic sensing (link: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/nasa-balloon-detects-california-earthquake-next-stop-venus), study planetary materials under extreme conditions, and use computational models to study the tectonics and dynamics of solid planets. Through a variety of collaborations, we also take advantage of our close linkages with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.