The effects of climate change on terrestrial extreme environments and implications for the habitability of other planetary bodies

Changes to Earth’s climate, driven by increased human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, are already having widespread effects on the environment. Particular changes such as rising temperatures, longer more pronounced heat waves and droughts are greatly impacting the planet, not least the environments, and the life they contain, that were already considered extreme by our standards. Many of these environments are now starting to resemble those we observe on other planetary bodies, especially Mars, a planet which itself has undergone global climatic change. This PhD project will study extreme environments on the Earth undergoing climatic changes - using orbital imagery and in-situ sample analysis - to understand the chemical, mineralogical and biological effects of climate change, and the implications of this to understanding the habitability potential of similar sites on Mars. 

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Undergraduate in geology/planetary science
• Experience in GIS/planetary imaging/ENVI
• Experience in mineralogy

For details of how to apply please refer to our website: PhD Opportunities | UCL Department of Space and Climate Physics - UCL – University College London.