research interests
Generally speaking, my scientific interests are related to the evolution of planets. I study the thermal, convective, and tectonic evolution of terrestrial planets and ow they interact with other systems (magnetic field, deep water cycle, plate motion). I am also interested in comparing the evolution of terrestrial planets, and understanding key processes that caused the divergent paths... ultimately leading to the question of habitability.
the uniqueness of convective regimes
Earth's tectonic plates presently take part in the motion of the mantle in the subsurface via a process known as convection. Plates are created at mid-ocean spreading ridges and destroyed at subduction zones, and move at approximately the same speeds as the mantle. In the past when the mantle was hotter, it is unclear how the surface plates and the subsurface mantle interacted. Myself and colleagues investigated the physics that causes the distinct plate/mantle relationships, derived mathematical descriptions for this behavior, and explored the conditions for their existence and likelihood.
the generation of Earth's ancient magnetic field
Earth’s magnetic field is generated in the hot liquid core and protects its surface from cosmic radiation and allows life to flourish. Studies of old rocks indicate that Earth has had an active magnetic field for last 3.5 billion years. We know that Earth’s heat flow is controlled by the way Earth’s surface breaks into plates that move around and dive into Earth’s interior. In the hot mantle of the Archean, the tectonic regime was likely what’s called “sluggish-lid”, in which plates are moving, but their motion is partially decoupled from a faster-moving mantle below. After that, Earth gradually transitioned into today’s plate tectonic regime. This transition allowed the magnetic field to be maintained for much of Earth's history.
the evolution of water within and on the surface of Earth
The convective regime of the mantle is controlled by its viscosity structure, which is controlled by composition, temperature, pressure, melt and water. In this ongoing work, I investigate the evolution of water in Earth's mantle and its influence on the tectonic regime.
Earth and Venus: divergent paths
One of the guiding questions in my studies is explaining the different tectonic behaviors of the rocky planets. Earth and Venus invite comparison because of their similar size, but their present-day tectonic regimes are very different. How did they arrive at their present-day state? and How likely is the plate tectonic regime? are two questions I aim to answer.
