On May 13, 2025, the Petroleum and Mining Engineering Department at Tishk International University (TIU) successfully organized a national workshop titled “Comparison Between Earth and Mars as Differentiated Planets,” delivered by renowned academician Dr. Tariq Kakahama. The workshop attracted 16 academic staff members from various TIU departments and was held at Hall 214 in the Main Building.
The event provided a multidisciplinary platform to explore key scientific aspects distinguishing Earth and Mars, focusing on planetary evolution, geological and atmospheric properties, and the potential for habitability on Mars.
Workshop Sessions Overview
Session 1 offered a comprehensive introduction to the solar system and delved into the distinct physical, atmospheric, and geological attributes of Earth and Mars. Key topics included:
- Position of Earth and Mars in the solar system
- Comparative analysis of size, mass, temperature, gravity, and climate
- Atmospheric composition, soil, and geology of both planets
- Orbital dynamics, revolution periods, and application of Kepler’s Third Law
- Estimations of sun mass, solar temperature, and interplanetary distances
Following a short break, Session 2 focused on advanced planetary concepts:
- Measurement techniques for selected planetary attributes
- Constraints of life on Mars and the effects of radiation, air pressure, and temperature
- Profile of Earth’s atmospheric layers and rainfall distribution
- Comparison of water forms on Earth and Mars with scientific reasoning
- Open discussion and participant Q&A
About the Speaker
Dr. Tariq Kakahama, born in 1952 in Karadag, Sulaimani Province, holds a BSc in Soil Science from the University of Sulaimani (1975), and MSc and PhD in Soil Physics from the University of Baghdad (1978, 1992). He served as a faculty member at Salahaddin University from 1980 to 2022 and has specialized in applied mathematics, engineering statistics, and soil sciences.
The workshop successfully bridged planetary science with interdisciplinary academic interests, equipping attendees with critical understanding of terrestrial planet differentiation, atmospheric evolution, and the scientific groundwork supporting future planetary exploration missions.
Keywords: Academic Workshop, Planetary Science, Earth and Mars, Geology, University Event
