Planetary Surface Environment Science

To understand the evolution of the surface environment from the past to the future and of the planets’ interiors which can influence to the surface environment, we study various phenomena from macroscopic geological and geomorphological processes to molecular-scale water (or melt) – rock interactions based on field surveys, remote sensing techniques, geochemical analysis, high-temperature and high-pressure experiments, and environmental simulations using space chambers. We also challenge practical research that contributes to the preservation of the global environment and future human migration to the moon and the extraterrestrial planet.

We study geological processes involving water in the planetary surface environments through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and characterization of microscopic properties using probe microscopes.

	Assoc. Prof. Ruj Trishit E-mail：trishitruj [at] okayama-u.ac.jp    Directory of Reseachers

Field-trip in Mongolia to investigate the periglacial landforms. This study is important to locate the sub-surface ice deposits on Mars

I am a Planetary Geologist. My research group tries to understand the surface geological evolution of rocky planetary bodies from Mars, Moon and even on Ryugu. Currently, we are focussing on the future exploration missions and the landing site selection. For this, we are now conducting investigations from the Earth analog terrains in US and in Monglia. In future, we plan to recreate planetary surface environmental conditions in a chambers (which will be equipped with Hyperspectral Cameras) to better understnd the Martian surface geological processes.

	Assoc. Prof. IZAWA MATTHEW RICHAR E-mail: matthew_izawa [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Astrobiology, Meteorites, Mars, Asteroids, Remote sensing, Spectroscopy Directory of Researchers　　　Link to group homepage

Study of carbonaceous chondrites and their parent bodies using sample analysis (e.g., by XRD, EPMA, Raman spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy) along with spacecraft and telescopic observations, including from the OSIRIS-REx mission; Mars exploration using mineralogical and spectroscopic methods to investigate martian meteorites and Mars analogue materials; and investigation of possible ancient microbial trace fossils in basaltic rocks.

A photo of a Fe, Al-bearing MgSiO3 bridgmanite single crystal synthesized at 25 GPa and 2000 K.

An analogous magma – H2O fluid system experimentally reproduced at 700MPa, 530 °C in a diamond anvil cell.