Sam Poppe, PhD

Welcome!

 

I am a structural geologist with a healthy fascination for volcanoes because that's where rocky planets like our Earth really demonstrate their dynamic nature!

 

My research aims to understand how rocks in the shallow crust and the surface of rocky planetary bodies are deformed by magma movements and tectonic stresses. I work to better understand past volcanism in our Inner Solar System (the Moon, Mars, Mercury) and how deformation structures have concentrated fluid flow, and to inform volcanic activity forecasts (on Earth). I use field observations, drone-based and orbital remote sensing of active or inactive volcanoes, analytical and numerical modeling of volcano deformation, laboratory modeling imaged with photogrammetry and X-ray Computed Tomography, and sporadically geochemical rock analysis.

 

I am an associate of operating planetary imaging missions and a member of several science teams developing new concepts for planetary science and exploration missions.

 

I am also an award-winning science communicator. I help journalists to get their stories straight after the newest volcanic eruption on Earth or volcanic discovery in our Solar System.