Professor of Planetary Science; Associate Director, Keck Institute for Space Studies
Option Representative: Planetary Sciences;
A.B., Washington University in St. Louis, 2004; M.Sc., University of Oxford, 2005; M.Sc., 2007; M.
S., Brown University, 2008; Ph.D., 2010. Assistant Professor, Caltech, 2011-17; Professor, 2017-;
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Research Scientist, 2011-20; Associate Director, 2018-.
Remote compositional analysis of planetary surfaces; environmental change over Mars history; chemical and physical weathering processes on terrestrial planets; infrared spectroscopy and quantitative radiative transfer modeling; habitability, rock-microbe interactions, biomarker preservation; early Earth surface environments; environmental science and applications of remote sensing; science policy.
Lapotre, M. G. A. and Ehlmann, B. L. and Minson, S. E. (2017) A Probabilistic Approach to Remote Compositional Analysis of Planetary Surfaces. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 122 (5). pp. 983-1009. ISSN 2169-9100. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20170302-115016869
Bridges, Nathan T. and Ehlmann, Bethany L. (2017) The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Bagnold Dunes campaign, Phase I: Overview and introduction to the special issue. Journal of Geophysical Research. Planets, 123 (1). pp. 3-19. ISSN 2169-9097. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20170919-104510502
Ehlmann, B. L. and Edgett, K. S. and Sutter, B. et al. (2017) Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Grain Properties at Namib and High Dunes, Bagnold Dune Field, Gale Crater, Mars: A Synthesis of Curiosity Rover Observations. Journal of Geophysical Research. Planets, 122 (12). pp. 2510-2543. ISSN 2169-9097. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20170612-135954084
Hu, R, DM Kass, BL Ehlmann, Y Yung. Tracing the fate of carbonate and the atmospheric evolution of Mars, Nature Communications, doi: 10.1038/ncomms10003, 2015
Edwards, CS and BL Ehlmann. Carbon sequestration on Mars, Geology, doi:10.1130/G36983.1, 2015
Greenberger, R, JF Mustard, BL Ehlmann, DL Blaney, EA Cloutis, JH Wilson, RO Green, AA Fraeman, Imaging spectroscopy of geological samples and outcrops: novel insights from microns to meters, GSA Today, GSA Today, 25(12) doi: 10.1130/GSATG252A.1, 2015
Ehlmann, Bethany L. et al. (2009) Identification of hydrated silicate minerals on Mars using MRO-CRISM: Geologic context near Nili Fossae and implications for aqueous alteration. Journal of Geophysical Research E, 114 . Art. No. E00D08. ISSN 0148-0227. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20121016-082328715
Ge 151. Planetary Surfaces.9 units (3-3-3); first term, 2020-21.
We will review the mechanisms responsible for the formation and modification of the surfaces of solar system bodies, studying both composition and physical processes. Topics include exogenous processes (impact cratering, space weathering) and endogenous processes (tectonic, volcanic, weathering, fluvial, aeolian, and periglacial) that shape the surfaces of planets. Lectures, occasional labs, and one required field trip.
Instructor: Ehlmann
Ge/EE/ESE 157 c. Remote Sensing for Environmental and Geological Applications.9 units (3-3-3); third term, 2020-21.
Analysis of electromagnetic radiation at visible, infrared, and radio wavelengths for interpretation of the physical and chemical characteristics of the surfaces of Earth and other planets. Topics: interaction of light with materials, spectroscopy of minerals and vegetation, atmospheric removal, image analysis, classification, and multi-temporal studies. This course does not require but is complementary to EE 157ab with emphasis on applications for geological and environmental problems, using data acquired from airborne and orbiting remote sensing platforms. Students will work with digital remote sensing datasets in the laboratory and there will be one field trip.
Instructor: Ehlmann
Ge 151. Planetary Surfaces.9 units (3-3-3); first term, 2019-20.
Exogenous (impact cratering, space weathering) and endogenous (tectonic, volcanic, weathering, fluvial, aeolian, and periglacial) processes shape the surfaces of planets. We will review the mechanisms responsible for the formation and modification of the surfaces of solar system bodies, studying both composition and physical processes.
Instructor: Ehlmann
Ge/EE/ESE 157 c. Remote Sensing for Environmental and Geological Applications.9 units (3-3-3); third term, 2019-20.
Analysis of electromagnetic radiation at visible, infrared, and radio wavelengths for interpretation of the physical and chemical characteristics of the surfaces of Earth and other planets. Topics: interaction of light with materials, spectroscopy of minerals and vegetation, atmospheric removal, image analysis, classification, and multi-temporal studies. This course does not require but is complementary to EE 157ab with emphasis on applications for geological and environmental problems, using data acquired from airborne and orbiting remote sensing platforms. Students will work with digital remote sensing datasets in the laboratory and there will be one field trip. Not offered 2019-20.
Instructor: Ehlmann
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