People: Astrobiology Faculty

Joshua Bandfield
Earth & Space Sciences

I am interested in the development of planetary crusts and surfaces. This includes characterizing the workings of various planet-scale systems to build a framework for understanding the geologic processes that are dominant on Mars and the Moon. On Earth, the overarching paradigm of plate tectonics and the nearly ubiquitous presence of water dominate much of what is observed. What specific geologic processes are dominant and what resulting compositions and landforms are created on planets without plate tectonics and where liquid water is no longer stable?

From an astrobiology perspective, I use infrared spectroscopic and imaging datasets to identify the locations and timing of extended periods of liquid water on the Martian surface and in the subsurface. Spectroscopic evidence of water related minerals on the Martian surface indicates that liquid water was present for extended periods of time and that the energy required for such chemical reactions to take place was also available for life to harness. I also use temperature data to characterize near surface water ice deposits at Martian high latitudes in order to better understand the current global water cycle. These are key goals of NASA's Astrobiology and Mars Exploration programs.

I have participated in the following spacecraft instrument investigations as the core focus of my research:

• Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer
• 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System
• Mars Exploration Rovers Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer
• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Climate Sounder
• Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner Radiometer

Publications

Bandfield, J.L., V.E. Hamilton, P.R. Christensen, A Global View of Martian Surface Compositions From MGS-TES, Science, 287, 1626-1630, 2000.

Bandfield, J.L., T.D. Glotch, P.R. Christensen, Spectroscopic Identification of Carbonate Minerals in the Martian Dust, Science, 301, 1084-1087, 2003.

Bandfield, J.L., High Resolution Subsurface Water Ice Distributions on Mars, Nature, 0.1038/nature05781, 2007.

Bandfield, J.L., A.D. Rogers, Olivine dissolution by acidic fluids in Argyre Planitia, Mars: Evidence for a widespread process?, Geology, 10.1130/G24724A.1, 2008.