Joshua F. Snape

My research focuses on the evolution of planetary bodies and have analysed a range of planetary samples, including lunar, martian and chondritic meteorites. I have a particular interest in the early evolution of the Moon, and much of my research has involved the analysis of Apollo and lunar meteorite samples. Most notably this includes: - The analysis of 'impactite' samples, formed by impact processes on the lunar surface, and using the U-Pb isotope system to determine the ages of these samples and what they can tell us about the impact history of the Moon - Determining the ages and Pb isotopic compositions of lunar basalts, in order to better understand the volcanic history of the Moon and its early magmatic evolution - Experimental petrology studies investigating the partitioning behaviour of key trace elements in the early "magma ocean" phase of the Moon's history, in order to better form models of this geologic process and, ultimately, place better constraints on the time of the Moon's formation