The Icy Mid-Latitudes of Mars
Join Boise State Physics on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Science and Education Building, room 112 to hear Dr. Ali M. Bramson, Postdoctoral Research Associate at University of Arizona, discuss details of her studies of mid-latitude ice on Mars and what this means for our understanding of the Martian climate.
The distribution and nature of water ice on Mars has important implications for not only understanding the Martian climate system, but also for evaluating the in-situ resources available for future human exploration and the astrobiological potential of our solar system. Bramson will present the results of several multi-faceted studies that she has lead or been involved with to investigate the distribution properties, and preservation of ice on Mars.
These studies involve understanding the Martian climate by using remote sensing observations from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to show how the properties of mid-latitude ice can be constrained. Combining this data with theoretical models of ice stability can help us understand the evolution and preservation of present day subsurface ice sheets.
Lastly, Bramson will present how different analog studies can elucidate the ice-related processes occurring on Mars and elsewhere. These analog studies include experimental laboratory studies of ice metamorphism, and field work at the Langjokull glacier in Iceland.
After the lecture, at 8:30 p.m., we will stargaze (weather permitting). This event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Ali M. Bramson, University of Arizona
BIO: I am a planetary scientist doing my postdoc in planetary radar with Prof. Lynn Carter. I received my PhD from the University of Arizona in August 2018 under the advisorship of Prof. Shane Byrne. I have a B.S. in physics and astronomy-physics with a certificate (minor) in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Go Badgers!
My research interests are in understanding the quantitative geomorphology of other planets. I am particularly interested in the physical processes related to ice and volatiles that affect the surfaces of solid bodies in our solar system. I enjoy tackling these problems using a combination of spacecraft remote sensing observations and theoretical modeling, supplemented by occasional field work at terrestrial analog sites and experimental studies.