Dr. Lisa Danielson

E-mail: danielson@lpi.usra.edu

My research efforts are focused on the chemical and physical processes of planetary accretion and differentiation of terrestrial planets and planetessimals. Experiments which simulate the high pressures and temperatures relevant to an accreting planet in the primordial solar system are used to constrain the extensive variables of these processes. Specifically, high pressure-temperature experiments elucidate the core-mantle segregation process, mantle mineralogy, and mantle evolution. Thus, linked to these-planetary-scale processes are geochemical investigations of meteorites, some of which may represent a major planetary building block component. Additionally, early crust-mantle evolution is informed by investigations of evolved, differentiated silicate meteorites coupled with silicate melting experiments.

Last updated
February 15, 2007