Experimental studies of planetary ice

With a focus on cryominerals likely found as secondary phases on icy moons of the outer solar system, I examine the microstructure and material properties of ice mixtures. For instance, during my PhD, I studied the creep strength of ice + magnesium sulfate hydrate (pdf). I also measured the attenuation of polycrystalline ice that was simultaneously creeping (pdf). I am currently considering the influence of partial melt by using systems that have a deep eutectic with ice: ammonia and sulfuric acid. I am running friction experiments (using our new low T cryostat, right) to determine what influence melt has on the stability and frictional heating of icy faults. In particular, can frictional melt explain geysers of liquid water on Enceladus (below)