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I am currently affiliated as PhD candidate to the Earth Surface Science group of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED). As a 'planetary geomorphologist' I specialize in the landscape processes on earth and other planets, a domain known by some as exogeomorphology or planetary geomorphology. The main focus of my current research is the role of planetary variables in landscapes formed by subglacial volcanic eruptions and understanding their post-glacial erosion in Iceland. Similar eruption materials and landscapes are found on planet Mars and this makes Iceland an ideal 'landscape model'. We can therefore use these landforms as powerful palaeoclimatic markers in light of reconstructions of the past Martian climates.

Iceland and Mars
In order to study Mars, I am interested in understanding the processes which affect the development of subglacial eruption sites and their eruption products. We use a site in Iceland where the wind and gravity erode steep walls of subglacially formed volcanic glass, known as hyaloclastites. The effect of such planetary variables (atmospheric pressure and gravity) can be studied by changing their magnitude in special experiments.

Using wind tunnel experiments I experimentally model the effects of lower atmospheric pressure on the detachment of sand and silt-sized particles. This helps us to understand which particles are in motion and which material properties contribute to their removal. As gravity on Mars is only 38% of that on Earth, a major focus is also drawn to the transport of these granular materials by gravity. With the use of centrifuges and aircraft we can change the magnitude of gravity to study avalanching and angles of repose which may change the morphometry and our interpretation on other planets. These properties are essential for inferring the formative conditions of landforms (e.g. dry or wet environments).

Other research interests:
Fracturing of volcanic glass is a side-effect of aeolian transport and can affect the soil uptake of fines or even create health hazards after inhalation. We are in the process of setting up experiments to understand these fracturing dynamics. Other research interests cover the educational aspects of gravity in oceanic convection; the deposition of micrometeorites in topsoils; and soil water repellency.

Images above: bright-green glassy hyaloclastites line the slopes inside Grænagil near Landmannalaugar in Torfajökull.The area was formed by an effusive subglacial volcanic eruption during the last glaciation of the southern highlands in Iceland. Bottom right-hand image shows a stacked microscope image of the glassy material.