“How do Volcanoes Work on Mars?” by Nicholas Castle, PhD, an associate research scientist  with the Planetary Science Institute

In planetary geology we often struggle with understanding how processes that are familiar on the Earth might work differently on other worlds. Volcanoes happen all over the Earth, but tend to be driven by one of three mechanisms: 1) heating due to mantle plumes; 2) decompression along divergent plate boundaries; and 3) fluid-induced melting above subducting oceanic plates. All three of these processes are related to plate tectonics, which appears to have never started on Mars, yet the Red Planet boasts the largest, and oldest, volcanoes in the solar system. How does this work? What drives volcanism without plate tectonics? And how do we study it when we’ve never sent humans to Mars? In this talk I will provide an introduction to igneous processes on Mars, including some of what we know, some of what we don’t know, and a bit about how I study them. We will discuss orbital observations, meteorite studies, and comparative planetology – all tools that are required for planetary scientists. Whether you’re interested in making a career as a planetary scientist or just curious about how we study the Red Planet, there is something in this talk for everyone.
 
Dr. Nicholas Castle is a planetary scientist, meteorite petrologist, and microscopist who is interested in how geochemical systems evolve. A graduate of Lehigh University, the University of Washington, and the University of Alberta, he has worked as an environmental consultant, a planetary scientist, and a mission operator for NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover. He is passionate about scientific communication and public outreach. He is currently an associate research scientist with the Planetary Science Institute where he works remotely. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife and two children.