Hi Reddit! I am a geologist and geomorphologist from the University of Maryland. I study surface processes that affect Earth and other terrestrial bodies. I recently served as the field safety officer for NASA's test mission ahead of the Artemis II and III missions - today, ask me all your questions about the moon!

Patrick Whelley is a geologist who studies volcanic and aeolian processes and products on terrestrial planets. His work uses a combination of remote sensing and in-situ observations. He has a B.S. and M.S. from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo, SUNY and currently works as a research scientist with the University of Maryland on a cooperative agreement at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In the field, he collects high-resolution topographic data using a terrestrial laser scanner. The data inform volcanic mapping and provide ground truth for remote sensing measurements. Patrick uses remote sensing data to characterize explosive volcanic stratigraphy on Mars. His work has implications for volcano hazard mapping, on Earth, and for interpreting volcanic histories of the terrestrial planets.

I'll be on from 1 to 3 p.m. ET (17-19 UT) - ask me anything!

Other links:

• Research Gate
• Recent news: University of Maryland geologist to run simulation that helps astronauts prepare for the moon
• Q&A with NASA Goddard

Username: /u/umd-science