Catherine Johnson

Catherine Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on comparative planetary geophysics, including the magnetic fields of Mercury, Mars, Earth, and the Moon, as well as Venus's lithospheric structure and interior evolution. She also investigates seismic activity on the Moon and Mars, combining satellite data and numerical modeling to understand planetary dynamics.

• Doctoral supervision includes studies on Mercury's tectonic history, Mars' crustal magnetization, and lunar seismic signals.
• Master's supervision covers asteroid surface roughness (e.g., Bennu), glacial modulation of Antarctic volcanism, and Venusian volcanic processes.

Her work integrates observational data from missions like MESSENGER, OSIRIS-REx, and InSight with geophysical modeling. Research themes include planetary magnetism, orbital dynamics, and the interplay between surface processes and interior structure. Key contributions include analyzing Mercury's contraction, Mars' ancient dynamo, and asteroid rubble-pile mechanics.

Recent studies highlight Mercury's global evolution, Mars' crustal magnetic anomalies, and Bennu's surface properties. Future work continues to explore planetary magnetic fields and seismic signatures of planetary formation and evolution.