Michael Bland, Ph.D.
Mike Bland is a research space scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center. His interests primarily lie in combining numerical models with planetary datasets to understand the thermal and tectonic evolution of ice-rich bodies.
Past and current research areas include:
- The mechanics of rifting in ice lithospheres (e.g., Ganymede and Enceladus)
- The formation of contractional features on icy bodies (e.g., Europa, Enceladus, Titan)
- Crater modification due to viscous relaxation (Enceladus and Ceres)
- Mountain formation on Io
- Differentiation of large icy satellites (Ganymede and Titan)
- Production of Ganymede's magnetic field
Professional Experience
Dawn at Ceres Guest Investigator
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Planetary Science, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ (2008)
BA Physics/Geology, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN (2002)
Honors and Awards
First Decade Award, Gustavus Adolphus College (2012)
NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (2007)
Gerard P. Kuiper Award, University of Arizona (2007)
Science and Products
Viscous relaxation of Ganymede's impact craters: Constraints on heat flux
Geomorphological evidence for ground ice on dwarf planet Ceres
The vanishing cryovolcanoes of Ceres
The missing large impact craters on Ceres
Composition and structure of the shallow subsurface of Ceres revealed by crater morphology
Mountain building on Io driven by deep faulting
Constraining the heat flux between Enceladus’ tiger stripes: numerical modeling of funiscular plains formation
Forming Ganymede’s grooves at smaller strain: Toward a self-consistent local and global strain history for Ganymede
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Viscous relaxation of Ganymede's impact craters: Constraints on heat flux
Geomorphological evidence for ground ice on dwarf planet Ceres
The vanishing cryovolcanoes of Ceres
The missing large impact craters on Ceres
Composition and structure of the shallow subsurface of Ceres revealed by crater morphology
Mountain building on Io driven by deep faulting
Constraining the heat flux between Enceladus’ tiger stripes: numerical modeling of funiscular plains formation
Forming Ganymede’s grooves at smaller strain: Toward a self-consistent local and global strain history for Ganymede
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.