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Earth and Planetary Surface Processes

landscape with mars rover

Welcome

As geologists, we seek answers to some of the most fundamental scientific questions. What were Earth's earliest environments like? How does life affect geological processes? In our solar system, the geologic records preserved on terrestrial planets and icy moons attest to the volatility of habitability through time. Using a variety of approaches such as field and laboratory studies, in situ and remote sensing data analysis, and analog experiments and numerical modeling, we aim to unravel the mechanics of geological processes that shape the surfaces of Earth and other planets, and ultimately, what rocks and landforms can tell us about past hydrology, climate, and habitability.

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Opportunities

Earth/Mars globe

Prof. Lapôtre is always looking for motivated students and postdocs to join his lab and work on exciting projects related to sedimentary processes and planetary surfaces.

Graduate studies

Check this webpage for the latest info on the application process. Prospective students interested in joining our lab to apply concepts of physical sedimentology, process geomorphology, and spectroscopy to the study of paleoenvironments on Earth and other planetary surfaces are encouraged to contact Prof. Lapôtre.

Postdoctoral research

Prospective postdoctoral scholars interested in applying their expertise to the study of paleoenvironments on Earth and other planetary surfaces are invited to contact Prof. Lapôtre to discuss potential projects and funding avenues.

Contact Prof. Lapôtre @ mlapotre at stanford.edu.

For more information about the Stanford planetary-science community, our research, courses, and events, please visit Stanford's Planetary Science webpage.