NASA | Planetary Scientist Profile: Brent Garry

Brent Gary, a geologist at NASA Goddard, specializes in planetary volcanology, studying volcanoes and lava flows on Earth, the Moon, and Mars. The video explores how these features evolve, their eruption history, and the processes involved. It discusses sinuous rills on the Moon and Mars, questioning whether they were formed by lava or water. The video highlights the importance of comparing extraterrestrial data with Earth's geology. Brent shares his fieldwork experiences in places like Mexico and Iceland, using various instruments for data collection. He emphasizes that geology is an adventurous field, offering opportunities to explore both Earth and other celestial bodies.

What is the primary focus of Brent Gary's research at NASA?

• Investigating the magnetic fields of planets

• Analyzing the composition of asteroids

• Exploring the evolution of volcanoes and lava flows

• Studying the atmosphere of planets

What are sinuous rills on the Moon thought to be?

• Collapsed lava tubes

• Impact craters

• Water-carved channels

• Wind erosion features

Which method is used to compare geological features on Earth with those on the Moon and Mars?

• Using satellite imagery

• Conducting laboratory experiments

• Comparing data and information

• Simulating volcanic eruptions

What is one of the exciting aspects of Brent Gary's job?

• Working in a laboratory

• Traveling to different countries

• Teaching geology classes

• Writing scientific papers

Which instrument helps in understanding the topography of lava flows?

• Thermal imaging camera

• Ground penetrating radar

• Differential GPS

• Seismograph