Ben Cornford

My background is in geography, remote sensing/GIS and planetary science. In my previous research, I focused on studying unique curved patterns observed in the aeolian dune fields of Titan, using Australia’s Great Sandy desert as a planetary analogue for this phenomenon.

I shifted my research focus from aeolian systems to glacial landscapes upon joining the department in September 2021.

An investigative study into Concentric Crater Fills and their relationship with Martian glacial and climate histories

My current research employs remote sensing data to explore the glacial and climate histories of Mars, with a specific emphasis on Concentric Crater Fills (CCFS), which are thought to be buried (debris-covered) glaciers.

My research aims to explore the glaciology of CCFs, including their formation, mass balance, preservation, and glacial flow. The overarching objective is to examine the glacial history of Mars in its mid-latitudinal regions.

Outside the university setting, I also take groups out to the Peak District to go meteor shower viewing. Recently I secured an outreach grant from the Royal Astronomical Society to expand this initiative, allowing me to extend these experiences to young people.

Supervisors: Dr Felix S Ng, Dr Rob Byrant, Dr Frances Butcher