Michael Kaplan

Submitted by earthadm on Fri, 07/31/2009 - 11:18
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Education Rice University, Houston, TX, 2005-2009
B.S. in Earth Science, with a concentration in Geophysics (expected)
Research Experience
 Lunar and Planetary Institute Summer Intern June-August 2007
- Analyzed spherical harmonic Martian gravity field to determine subsurface characteristics
beneath impact structures in order to constrain possible impact processes and post-impact
crater modification. Modeled results in Fortran and found evidence for preserved superisostatic
mantle uplift which is potentially informative about the thermal history underneath
the impact structures. Presented findings in a conference. Attended NASA/LPI meetings.
Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience (SAGE) Participant June-July 2008
- Participated in field work using multiple geophysical methods (Reflection and Refraction
Seismology, GPR, Gravity, Magnetics, TEM, and MT). Analyzed audiomagnetotelluric data
in conjunction with well log data to survey the Budagher’s
Awards and Honors:
 Rice University President’s Honor Roll
Torkild Rieber Award in Geology - Awarded by the Rice University Department of Earth Science
Faculty to undergraduate and/or graduate student(s) who have distinguished himself or herself by
high academic standing or other achievements in courses in geology
Research Interests
 To investigate physically large scale questions in earth and planetary science using the most
effective physical methods possible. Ideally I would like to pursue problems that combine an
observational or field component with modeling. Interests include, but are not limited to,
geodynamics, planetary geophysics, seismology, and climatology.
Memberships
 Society of Exploration Geophysicists – Member since 2008
Presentations Kaplan, M. “Gravity Models of Large Impact Structures on Ancient Mars: Implications for Impact
Processes and Crater Modification.” Lunar and Planetary Science Conference XXXIX Poster
Session II. (March 2008)
Kaplan, M. “Audiomagnetotelluric Survey near the Santo Domingo Pueblo Well: Constraints on
Resolution and Observation of an Unknown Geoelectric Contact.” SAGE Conference. (August
2008)
Befus, K., Hamilton, E. M., Kaplan, M., Rossman, N., Woodworth, J., Pellerin, L., Jiracek, G. R., and
Bedrosian, P. “Geophysical Characterization by the SAGE Program of Intrabasin Fault-
Influenced Stratigraphic Variations in the Rio Grande Rift, New Mexico, USA.” AGU 2008 San
Francisco Fall Meeting Tuesday Poster Session.