Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Kristian Chan’s research centers on the development and application of techniques for multifrequency/bandwidth ice-penetrating radar data to investigate surface/near-surface regolith properties (e.g., layering) on Jupiter’s icy moons Europa and Ganymede. His work incorporates the use of radar models and radar data collected over polar terrestrial analogs (e.g., firn). Future applications of his work could provide insight into processes that alter the near-surface environment of these icy moons, such as the refreezing of brines in ice regolith or mass wasting, using the ice-penetrating radars onboard NASA’s Europa Clipper and ESA’s Juice missions.
Interests
Ice-penetrating radar, near-surface characterization of icy worlds, firn heterogeneity, brine infiltration.
Academics
Ph.D., Geological Sciences (Polar & Planetary Geophysics), The University of Texas at Austin, expected 2024
M.S., Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2018
B.S., Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (minor), Cornell University, 2013
Contacts & Links
Highlights
New Radar Technique Lets Scientists Probe Invisible Ice Sheet Region on Earth and Icy Worlds
Scientists at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) have developed a radar technique that lets them image hidden features within the upper few feet of ice sheets. The researchers behind the technique said that it can be used to investigate melting glaciers on Earth as well as detect potentially habitable environments on Jupiter’s… Continue reading
UT Institute for Geophysics
Mapping ice in firn with airborne ice-penetrating radar
Increasing temperatures have led to more surface meltwater production runoff on ice caps and ice sheets. At higher elevations, meltwater can refreeze to form ice layers in firn (snow that has survived beyond one melt season). The development of a thick ice layer could prevent meltwater infiltration into the underlying firn and… Continue reading