Canada Research Chair in Northern and Planetary Geological Remote Sensing

Orbital remote sensing has expanded our understanding of the moon’s polar regions—and the same methods can also reveal key insights into Earth and Mars. As Canada Research Chair in Northern and Planetary Geological Remote Sensing, Professor Myriam Lemelin is developing innovative lithological and mineralogical remote sensing methods to study the composition and surface processes of these planetary bodies.

She and her research team are combining orbital data, lab-based analysis, and in situ remote sensing from current and upcoming lunar missions to close knowledge gaps about the moon’s volatile content and geology—essential information for future human habitation. In the Canadian Arctic, the team is studying Mars-analog environments and monitoring environmental changes using satellite data. On Mars, their work is identifying iron-rich zones that may once have hosted life. Together, these efforts will support biosignature detection on Mars, lunar exploration, and environmental monitoring in northern Canada.

• Canada Research Chairs Program
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

Additional Information

• Tier 2 Chair - 2019-01-09
• Renewed: 2025-09-01