Hot Science – Cool Talks: Big Rivers on Mars
Sep
18
2026
Sep
18
2026
Description
What can ancient rivers on Mars reveal about the planet's past and its potential for life?
Dr. Timothy Goudge will explore the evidence of ancient rivers, catastrophic floods and massive drainage systems that once shaped the Martian landscape. Attendees will discover how Mars' lack of plate tectonics preserved clues about its watery past and what these features can tell us about conditions that may have supported life billions of years ago.
By studying relic river channels and water-carved landscapes, scientists are uncovering critical insights into the Red Planet's history. After all, where water flows, life often follows.
Schedule:
- Cool Activities: 5:30 PM – 6:40 PM
- Talk & Q&A: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
About the Speaker
Dr. Timothy Goudge is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. He earned his BSc from Queen's University and his ScM and PhD from Brown University. His research explores how surface processes shape planetary landscapes over time. Using remote sensing data such as satellite imagery, topography, imaging spectroscopy, and sediment records, Dr. Goudge studies the geological history of Mars, Earth, and other planetary bodies to better understand how landscapes evolve and what they can reveal about past environments.
Location
Welch Auditorium, Robert A. Welch Hall (WEL)