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Chan's STAR Research Group

no longer accepting graduate students due to phase retirement

Figure above: Comparisons of Jurassic Navajo Sandstone (left) as terrestrial analogs to Mars (right, photo credits- NASA/JPL). A&B: Spheroidal iron oxide concretions and hematite “blueberries”. C&D: Cross bedding. E&F: Polygonal weathering cracks.

Sedimentary & Terrestrial Analog Research

Chan’s STAR (Sedimentary & Terrestrial Analog Research) group works on a large range of sedimentary geology projects covering sedimentology, stratigraphy, and diagenesis. Analog models developed from the interdisciplinary sedimentary research is applicable to subsurface oil and gas exploration or to terrestrial comparisons on Mars. Utilizing many spectacular geologic exposures, our projects have applied aspects relating to facies models, architectural elements, depositional environments, climate change, rock characterization and subsurface fluid flow.

Research projects have ranged from the Precambrian to the Pleistocene, and environments from the non-marine to marine. A number of recent studies are focused on characterization of porous and colorful sandstone units that reflect the cycling history of iron.

Marjorie Chan was the 2014 Geological Society of America (GSA) Distinguished International Lecturer and during that year, she gave 53 lectures in India, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China, and Korea.
GSA Today Summary of the lectures is here.

Last Updated: 3/14/23