Dr. Elwood Madden and her students use laboratory experiments, field studies, and geochemical models to study the geochemistry of minerals, rocks, and fluids that form via hydrosphere-lithosphere-atmosphere interactions. These studies broaden our understanding of water and other fluids in near-surface environments on Earth, Mars, and other planetary bodies including Ceres, Europa, and other icy moons. Current research projects investigate the geochemistry of near-surface water and weathering products on Earth and Mars, develop new analytical techniques to measure brine chemistry using Raman spectroscopy, and measure gas hydrate (clathrate) formation and decomposition processes in permafrost and planetary environments. Dr. Elwood Madden also works with other geoscientists across campus to investigate methods to motivate, recognize, and reward faculty who engage in DEI work.
Earth and Planetary Geochemistry
