Dr. Gordon Osinski
Planetary Geology / Earth and Planetary Materials
Assistant Professor
NSERC/MDA/CSA Industrial Research Chair in Planetary Geology
Ph.D. University of New Brunswick, 2004
www.spacerocks.ca
Office: BGS 1000D
Phone: 519-661-2111 x.84208
Fax: 519-661-3198
Email: gosinski@uwo.ca
Research Interests
Dr. Osinski's research interests are diverse and
interdisciplinary in nature. His work synthesizes field, remote sensing,
and laboratory observations with a range of geochemical data. His
current research falls into two main areas: planetary geology – which
includes planetary surface processes and planetary materials – and
astrobiology. He approaches planetary geology with the fundamental view
that interpretations of other planetary bodies must begin by using the
Earth as a reference. In addition, he is also interested in developing
technologies and techniques for human and robotic surface operations on
the Moon and Mars. Examples of current research projects include:
- Petrology of impact-metamorphosed materials and the
geology of meteorite impact structures (including the tectonics of
impact crater formation, the generation of impact melts, emplacement of
ejecta, impact-induced hydrothermal activity, and intra-crater
sedimentary deposits) on the Earth, Moon and Mars.
- Planetary surface processes, in particular the
development of periglacial landforms, gullies, and valley networks in
the Canadian Arctic, and analogous environments on Mars.
- Origin and classification of impact melt-bearing meteorites, of asteroidal and lunar origin.
- Origin and evolution of life on Earth and the search for life elsewhere in the Solar System.
Selected Publications
Osinski G. R., Lee P.,
Cockell C. S., Snook K., Lim D. S. S., and Braham S. 2009. Field geology
on the Moon: Some lessons learned from the exploration of the Haughton
impact structure, Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic. Planetary and
Space Science doi:10.1016/j.pss.2009.10.004.
Osinski
G. R., Barfoot T. D., Ghafoor N., Izawa M., Banerjee N., Jasiobedzki
P., Tripp J., Richards R., Auclair S., Sapers H., Thomson L., and
Flemming R. 2009. Lidar and the mobile Scene Modeler (mSM) as scientific
tools for planetary exploration. Planetary and Space Science
doi:10.1016/ j.pss.2009.08.004.
Soare
R. J. and Osinski G. R. 2009. Stratigraphical evidence of late
Amazonian periglaciation and glaciation in the Astapus Colles region of
Mars. Icarus 202:17–21.
Osinski G. R., Grieve R. A. F., Collins G. S., Marion C., and Sylvester
P. 2008. The effect of target lithology on the products of impact
melting. Meteoritics & Planetary Science 43:12:1939–1954.
Osinski
G. R., Schwarcz H. P., Smith J., Kleindienst M. R., Haldemann A. F. C.,
and Churcher C. S. 2007. Evidence for a 100–200 ka meteorite impact in
Western Egypt. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 253:3–4:378–388.
Courses Taught
Earth Sciences 1023a: Planet Earth: Shaken and Stirred
Earth Sciences 2123a: The Dynamic Earth
Earth Sciences 2250Y: Introductory Field Mapping Techniques
Planetary Science 9500Y & 9600Y: M.Sc. and Ph.D. Planetary Science Seminar Course
Planetary Science 9601: Impact Cratering: Processes and Products
Students
Please click here for a list of Dr. Osinski's current graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
Dr. Osinski currently has openings for M.Sc. and Ph.D.
students interested in studying various aspects of meteorite impact
craters, comparative planetary geology (using terrestrial analogues to
better interpret the observed geological attributes of Mars and other
planetary bodies), and analysis of planetary materials, including
meteorites.
