Visit the USGS Home Page Go to the Astrogeology Research Program Home Page

Scientific Investigations

[Previous] Previous Continue [Next]
[Image: Perspective view of the Grand Canyon of Mars]
Central Candor Chasma, Mars
Perspective view of a section of Valles Marineris, popularly known as the Grand Canyon of Mars. Computer generated models help scientists learn about the geologic processes that have occurred to form the planets to their current states.
(500 x 500, 56 kilobytes)

Scientists in the Astrogeology Research Program research topics in a number of fields such as terrestrial and planetary remote sensing and monitoring, planetary geologic processes, and astrobiology. The Program is also involved in scientific analyses related to mission support, and searching for answers to questions like:

  • "Where did all the water go on Mars?",
  • "How did layers or other landforms form?", and
  • "How do volcanoes behave on the Moon or on Io?"

Visit our Research pages for more information and links to our scientific research.


[Photo: Clepsydra Geyser]
Clepsydra Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
388 x 250, 50 kilobytes 		[Image: Comparison of water channels on Mars and Earth]
Mars and Earth Comparison
Comparison of Mars (left) and Earth (right) as evidence for surface water
624 x 500, 100 kilobytes
Images open in a new window
[Previous] Previous Continue [Next]

Our Mission | Who We Work With
Mission Support | Scientific Investigations
Cartography & Mapping | Shoemaker Center for Astrogeology | Top