While most geologists might be focusing on rocks on Earth, a group of University researchers’ work is going out of this world.
University assistant professor Suniti Karunatillake is the leader of a Mars exploration research project that studies the surface geology and geochemistry of the planet Mars.
“Fundamentally, our vision is to look for life beyond Earth, but we see Mars as a stepping stone,” Karunatillake said.
Karunatillake said the exploration’s participants use remote sensing instruments, satellites in orbit and analog observations on Earth to study Mars.
Karunatillake discussed a system of canyons on Mars called Valles Marineris, or the Mariner Valley, that could straddle the entire continent of North America. He also said there is a chain of volcanoes on Mars that help give a sense of direction for the entire planet. The chain includes what has been discovered to be the tallest volcano in the solar system.
Don Hood is a graduate student who has been working with Karunatillake for three years. He studies the geochemistry of the Mars’ surface.
“You have this unique topography combined with unique chemistry. We put those things together to motivate an investigation,” Hood said.
Karunatillake compared an area on Mars to the Whiting Dome area in the Gulf of Mexico, one of the many remarkable salt domes in the Gulf, which resulted from a landslide. He said the Whiting Dome area had mostly sodium chloride associated with it, while the area on Mars may include different salts, like magnesium sulfates. 
David Susko, a participant involved in the research, studied the southeastern lava flows to see if the flows could tell us about the history of volcanic activity on the planet. He found that the activity is similar to what is seen in Hawaii, with high temperatures and a smooth lava flow. 
Karunatillake said it can be estimated that eruptions on Mars occurred as recently as two billion years ago, “which for geologists is yesterday, especially for Mars.”
“Mars is often viewed as kind of a dead planet that’s not doing anything right now, and we’re continually finding evidence that says that’s less and less true,” Hood said. “When we’re exploring for life, Mars isn’t the best place to look for life today. One way to look at Mars is as a somewhat failed Earth.”
Nicki Button, another participant in the study at the University, did a study in the Mojave Desert and used a rover to take pictures and classify special types of soil and grain sizes of pebbles and gravel. 
Hood said he was always interested in geology. After receiving his degree in physics, he noticed many people before him went into geology studies as physicists. 
Karunatillake said looking for life and water motivates him, but he was also inspired by science fiction novelist Arthur C. Clarke. He said he spent half of his life in Sri Lanka, where Clarke was a famous resident. 
Hood said it is important for people to keep their faith in NASA and scientists who take part in planetary research. He said people have to understand that things can go wrong, but continued support helps keep the exploration going. Karunatillake said he wants to encourage future generations to keep outlandish mission ideas alive.
“Take good hold of that inspiration and don’t forget it, especially after you’ve started exploration,” Karunatillake said. “The path to that dream will be riddled with not just rough terrain, but mountains. You need to make a considered effort. Persevere. Many dead ends will be met, but don’t 
give up.”

Gallery • 3 Photos

Jake Bonin

LSU grad student Don Hood (left) and his advisor Suniti Karunatillake (right) explain geographical features of Mars in the Planetary Science Laboratory of Howe-Russell on Sept. 16, 2016.