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We use noble gas geochemistry to study the physical and chemical processes shaping the surfaces of Earth and other planets.

 Some of the scientific problems our work addresses include:

  • how the Earth’s climate changed during the geologic past
  • how tectonic and geomorphic processes interact to shape topography
  • the impact history of the Moon and other planetary bodies in the inner Solar System
  • rates of volcanism and interactions between volcanism and Earth’s climate system

We also conduct basic experimental research on the kinetics of noble gas diffusion in minerals, which has broad significance across both Earth and planetary science disciplines. To learn more about the current and recent research efforts of T@P, check out our Research page.

Recent Lab News

Wenbo awarded best poster at the Geochronology GRC!

August 2025:Third year Ph.D. student Wenbo Zhan presented a poster on his research dating river terraces in southern California at the 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Geochronology. Wenbo’s poster and presentation were so stellar that he won the Best Poster award for the conference! Congratulations, Wenbo!!!

Wenbo with best poster award

Congratulations on your graduation, Addison and Moe!

August 2025: We were very proud to have Addison officially earn their M.S. and Moe officially earn her Ph.D. at the summer commencement ceremony, and we wish them the best of luck with their next adventure! Addison is moving to the University of Maryland to pursue their Ph.D., and Moe is beginning a Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Congrats to you both again!! 

moe, marissa, and addison at graduation 

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