Paul R. Stoddard

Research Activitites

I am currently involved in several out-of-this world projects: Investigating large volcanic features (called "coronae") on Venus (with Northwestern's Donna Jurdy), looking at the history of rifting on Europa, one of the large moons of Jupiter (with graduate student Alexa Teipel), and investigating the evolution of the Martian atmosphere by looking at the relationship between sand dunes and craters.

Also with Donna Jurdy, is a project investigating the possible influence of volcanoes on Io's spin axis. These results have been published in Geophysical Research Letters.

A project with NIU Geography's Wei Luo looks at comparative hypsography of Venus, Earth and Mars.

Back on Earth, I am involved in a project with Tom Shoberg of Pittsburg (KS) State University. We are looking at a series of structures in Missouri, including the Crooked Creek (MO) structure, a suspected impact crater.

One main thrust of my Earth-bound research is determining the relative strengths of plate driving forces such as "slab-pull" and "ridge-push," by comparing such plate features as velocity, area, and lengths of boundaries. Detailed examination of the basal lithosperic drag force, considering the effects of cratonic keels has led to some surprising results.

Another long-standing interest has been oceanic plate deformation, specifically the Gorda plate. Aspects of this project include finite element modeling (with Dennis Bebel), seismic studies, and studies of near-ridge processes, asymmetric spreading processes, and ridge evolution due to plate deformation.

Selected Publications

Jurdy, D.M, and P.R. Stoddard, The Coronae of Venus: Impact, Plume, or Other Origin?, in Geol. Soc. Amer. Spec. Paper 430: Plates, Plumes, and Planetary Processes, G.R. Foulger and D.M. Jurdy, eds., p. 859-878, 2007.

Stoddard, P.R. and D.M. Jurdy, Quantitative Analysis of Circular Symmetry of Venus Coronae and Craters , Eos Trans. AGU, 88(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract V11A-0368, 2007.

Madison, M. and P.R. Stoddard, Europan Cycloidal Rift Densities and Io Volcano Distribution: Implications for Tidal Activity , Eos Trans. AGU, 88(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract P11B-1240, 2007.

Shoberg, T. and P.R. Stoddard, Gravity and Magnetic Surveys of the Weaubleau Quadrangle, South Central Missouri: Implications for an Impact Origin of the Weaubleau-Osceola Structure , Eos Trans. AGU, 88(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract U23A-0860, 2007.

Stoddard, P.R. and D.M. Jurdy, Comparison of Topographic Profiles Across Venus' Coronae and Craters: Implications for Corona Origin Hypothesis, Eos Trans. AGU, 87(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract P51B-1199, 2006.

Teaching

Courses Taught

• GEOL 103
• GEOL 120
• GEOL 478/479T
• GEOL 460
• GEOL 510
• GEOL 560
• GEOL 565
• GEOL 610