Colin Dundas, Ph.D.
Colin Dundas is a Research Geologist with the Astrogeology Science Center. He studies planetary geomorphology and surface processes using spacecraft imagery and topography data as well as numerical modeling, with a particular focus on active processes and change detection. He is a Co-Investigator and Science Theme Lead for Mass Wasting on the HiRISE camera team.
Past and current research areas include:
- Current activity on Martian slopes, including Recurring Slope Lineae and changes in gullies
- Martian ground ice, ice-exposing impact craters and scarps, and sublimation-thermokarst landforms
- Large lava flows and lava-volatile interactions on Mars, Io, and Earth
- Effects of target properties and secondary craters on crater chronology
- Floods in Martian outflow channels
- Volatile-loss landforms in the Solar System
Professional Experience
2009-2011: Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona.
2011 - Present: Research Geologist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Planetary Science (Geoscience minor), The University of Arizona, 2009
B.S., Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology, 2004
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 80
Mars orbiter for resources, ices, and environments (MORIE) Mars orbiter for resources, ices, and environments (MORIE)
The MORIE mission concept study examined the science and technical trade space to address high priority questions related to ice reservoirs and environmental transitions. The study team converged on a medium-class SEP-enabled orbiter with seven instruments to unlock the extent and volume of subsurface ice and geologic sequence stratigraphy through time. Observations would include the...
Authors
Wendy M. Calvin, Nathaniel E. Putzig, John W Holt, Ali M Bramson, Colin M. Dundas, Bethany L. Ehlmann, Briony H. N. Horgan, Gareth A Morgan, Scott L. Murchie, G Wesley Patterson, Kimberly D. Seelos, Hanna G Sizemore, Steve Matousek, Ryan Woolley, Carlos Brinoccolo, Valerie Scott, Cassie Stuurman, Kevin Wheeler, Brian Sutin, Marc Lane, Nathan Barba, Ivair Gontijo, Katherine Park, Mariko Burgin, Scott Hensley, Jan Martin, Jean Biancone, David Hinkle, Barbara Insua
Geomorphological evidence for a dry dust avalanche origin of slope streaks on Mars Geomorphological evidence for a dry dust avalanche origin of slope streaks on Mars
Mars has several different types of slope feature that resemble aqueous flows. However, the current cold, dry conditions are inimical to liquid water, resulting in uncertainty about its role in modern surface processes. Dark slope streaks were among the first distinctive young slope features to be identified on Mars and the first with activity seen in orbital images. They form markings...
Authors
Colin M. Dundas
Sparse subsurface radar reflectors in Hellas Planitia, Mars Sparse subsurface radar reflectors in Hellas Planitia, Mars
Geomorphological features potentially related to subsurface ice, such as scalloped depressions, expanded craters, pedestal craters, and banded terrain, are present in and around Hellas Planitia, Mars. We present a radar survey of the region using the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) to identify candidate subsurface reflectors that may be...
Authors
Claire W Cook, Ali M Bramson, Shane Byrne, John W Holt, Michael S Christoffersen, Donna Viola, Colin M. Dundas, Timothy A Goudge
An aeolian grainflow model for Martian Recurring Slope Lineae An aeolian grainflow model for Martian Recurring Slope Lineae
Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) on Mars have been enigmatic since their discovery; their behavior resembles a seeping liquid but sources of water remain puzzling. This work demonstrates that the properties of RSL are consistent with observed behaviors of Martian and terrestrial aeolian processes. Specifically, RSL are well-explained as flows of sand that remove a thin coating of dust...
Authors
Colin M. Dundas
Present-day mass wasting in sulfate-rich sediments in the equatorial regions of Mars Present-day mass wasting in sulfate-rich sediments in the equatorial regions of Mars
Present-day topographic changes are observed on steep slopes in equatorial regions of Mars that are associated with sulfate-rich sediments. Hydrated sulfates are known to be present in many sedimentary deposits on Mars. We document volume changes in the form of mass movements and gullies over these regions. We have estimated erosion rates of ~12 mm/yr (or ~1.2–120 mm/yr with...
Authors
Melissa F Thomas, Alfred S. McEwen, Colin M. Dundas
Report from the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis group (ICE-SAG) Report from the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis group (ICE-SAG)
This document is the final report of the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis Group (ICESAG) that was formed by the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) as part of its preparations for the upcoming NASA Planetary Science Decadal Survey for 2023 through 2032 (see §1). Through telecons, one face-to-face meeting, and discussions with experts in relevant topics, ICE-SAG has...
Authors
Than Putzig, Serina Diniega, Colin M. Dundas, Timothy N. Titus
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 80
Mars orbiter for resources, ices, and environments (MORIE) Mars orbiter for resources, ices, and environments (MORIE)
The MORIE mission concept study examined the science and technical trade space to address high priority questions related to ice reservoirs and environmental transitions. The study team converged on a medium-class SEP-enabled orbiter with seven instruments to unlock the extent and volume of subsurface ice and geologic sequence stratigraphy through time. Observations would include the...
Authors
Wendy M. Calvin, Nathaniel E. Putzig, John W Holt, Ali M Bramson, Colin M. Dundas, Bethany L. Ehlmann, Briony H. N. Horgan, Gareth A Morgan, Scott L. Murchie, G Wesley Patterson, Kimberly D. Seelos, Hanna G Sizemore, Steve Matousek, Ryan Woolley, Carlos Brinoccolo, Valerie Scott, Cassie Stuurman, Kevin Wheeler, Brian Sutin, Marc Lane, Nathan Barba, Ivair Gontijo, Katherine Park, Mariko Burgin, Scott Hensley, Jan Martin, Jean Biancone, David Hinkle, Barbara Insua
Geomorphological evidence for a dry dust avalanche origin of slope streaks on Mars Geomorphological evidence for a dry dust avalanche origin of slope streaks on Mars
Mars has several different types of slope feature that resemble aqueous flows. However, the current cold, dry conditions are inimical to liquid water, resulting in uncertainty about its role in modern surface processes. Dark slope streaks were among the first distinctive young slope features to be identified on Mars and the first with activity seen in orbital images. They form markings...
Authors
Colin M. Dundas
Sparse subsurface radar reflectors in Hellas Planitia, Mars Sparse subsurface radar reflectors in Hellas Planitia, Mars
Geomorphological features potentially related to subsurface ice, such as scalloped depressions, expanded craters, pedestal craters, and banded terrain, are present in and around Hellas Planitia, Mars. We present a radar survey of the region using the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) to identify candidate subsurface reflectors that may be...
Authors
Claire W Cook, Ali M Bramson, Shane Byrne, John W Holt, Michael S Christoffersen, Donna Viola, Colin M. Dundas, Timothy A Goudge
An aeolian grainflow model for Martian Recurring Slope Lineae An aeolian grainflow model for Martian Recurring Slope Lineae
Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) on Mars have been enigmatic since their discovery; their behavior resembles a seeping liquid but sources of water remain puzzling. This work demonstrates that the properties of RSL are consistent with observed behaviors of Martian and terrestrial aeolian processes. Specifically, RSL are well-explained as flows of sand that remove a thin coating of dust...
Authors
Colin M. Dundas
Present-day mass wasting in sulfate-rich sediments in the equatorial regions of Mars Present-day mass wasting in sulfate-rich sediments in the equatorial regions of Mars
Present-day topographic changes are observed on steep slopes in equatorial regions of Mars that are associated with sulfate-rich sediments. Hydrated sulfates are known to be present in many sedimentary deposits on Mars. We document volume changes in the form of mass movements and gullies over these regions. We have estimated erosion rates of ~12 mm/yr (or ~1.2–120 mm/yr with...
Authors
Melissa F Thomas, Alfred S. McEwen, Colin M. Dundas
Report from the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis group (ICE-SAG) Report from the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis group (ICE-SAG)
This document is the final report of the Ice and Climate Evolution Science Analysis Group (ICESAG) that was formed by the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) as part of its preparations for the upcoming NASA Planetary Science Decadal Survey for 2023 through 2032 (see §1). Through telecons, one face-to-face meeting, and discussions with experts in relevant topics, ICE-SAG has...
Authors
Than Putzig, Serina Diniega, Colin M. Dundas, Timothy N. Titus