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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

The ASPRS Digital Imagery Product Guideline Project

The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Primary Data Acquisition Division is developing a Digital Imagery Product Guideline in conjunction with NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), academia, and industry. The goal of the guideline is to offer providers and users of digital imagery a set of recommendatons analogous those defined by the ASPRS Aerial Photography 1995 Draft Standard for film-based imagery. This article offers a general outline and description of the Digital Imagery Product Guideline and Digital Imagery Tutorial/Reference documents for defining digital imagery requirements.

Ryan, Robert↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Mars: Surface Coatings, Mineralogy, and Surface Properties

The session "Mars: Surface Coatings, Mineralogy, and Surface Properties" contained the following reports:High-Silica Rock Coatings: TES Surface-Type 2 and Chemical Weathering on Mars; Old Desert Varnish-like Coatings and Young Breccias at the Mars Pathfinder Landing Site; Analyses of IR-Stealthy and Coated Surface Materials: A Comparison of LIBS and Reflectance Spectra and Their Application to Mars Surface Exploration; Contrasting Interpretations of TES Spectra of the 2003 Rover:Opportunity-Landing Site: Hematite Coatings and Gray Hematite; A New Hematite Formation Mechanism for Mars; Geomorphic and Diagenetic Analogs to Hematite Regions on Mars: Examples from Jurassic Sandstones of Southern Utah, USA; The Geologic Record of Early Mars: A Layered, Cratered, and "Valley-"ed: Volume; A Simple Approach to Estimating Surface Emissivity with THEMIS; A Large Scale Topographic Correction for THEMIS Data; Thermophysical Properties of Meridiani Planum, Mars; Thermophysical and Spectral Properties of Gusev, the MER-Spirit Landing Site on Mars; Determining Water Content of Geologic Materials Using Reflectance Spectroscopy; and Global Mapping of Martian Bound Water at 6.1 Microns Based on TES Data: Seasonal Hydration.

Source record↗

Optical design of the Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa (MISE)

e Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa (MISE) is a high-throughput pushbroom imaging spectrometer designed for NASA’s planned flyby mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. The MISE design utilizes heritage from previously demonstrated instruments on airborne platforms, while advancing the state of the art to operate within Europa’s challenging environment. The instrument operates at F/1.4 and covers a spectral range from 0.8 to 5 microns with 10 nm spectral sampling. Through high resolution mapping, MISE is designed to identify distributions of organics, salts, acid hydrates, water ice phases, altered silicates, radiolytic compounds, and warm thermal anomalies at global, regional, and local scales. Such distribution maps will help study surface and subsurface geologic processes, and assess the habitability of Europa’s ocean. We discuss the optical specifications and baseline performance of the MISE optical design.

Van Gorp, Byron E.↗

Exploring the Jezero Delta Front: Overview of Results From the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover’s Second Science Campaign

The Perseverance rover landed in Jezero crater on February 18, 2021, with the mission goals to explore the geology, astrobiological potential, and modern environment of the crater floor and delta, and to collect and cache well-documented samples for Mars Sample Return. After completion of the “Crater Floor” science campaign, the rover conducted a rapid traverse (sols 379-414) to the Three Forks region of the crater floor adjacent to the delta front. From here, Perseverance’s second “Delta Front” science campaign (DFC) began on Sol 415, April 20, 2022. The DFC has explored two lobes of the delta front, the neighboring crater floor, and their contact zone, focusing on the lowest geologic exposures composing the Jezero delta (largely mapped within the delta “thin layered unit”). As of January 1, 2023, Perseverance has covered 14325 km of traverse distance and collected 15 rock sample cores, 2 regolith samples, 1 atmospheric sample, and 3 witness tubes, employing a sample pair strategy where each unique sample is paired with a companion sample core from the same location, to enable the construction of two different caches. After sample depot construction at Three Forks, the DFC will conclude upon re-ascent of the delta front, and the next “Delta Top” science campaign will start.

Mars 2020 Mission↗

Fine Resolution Topographic Mapping of the Jovian Moons: A Ka-Band High Resolution Topographic Mapping Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar

The topographic data set obtained by MOLA has provided an unprecedented level of information about Mars' geologic features. The proposed flight of JIMO provides an opportunity to accomplish a similar mapping of and comparable scientific discovery for the Jovian moons through use of an interferometric imaging radar analogous to the Shuttle radar that recently generated a new topographic map of Earth. A Ka-band single pass across-track synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometer can provide very high resolution surface elevation maps. The concept would use two antennas mounted at the ends of a deployable boom (similar to the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapper) extended orthogonal to the direction of flight. Assuming an orbit altitude of approximately 100km and a ground velocity of approximately 1.5 km/sec, horizontal resolutions at the 10 meter level and vertical resolutions at the sub-meter level are possible.

Madsen, S. N.↗

Fine resolution topographic mapping of the Jovian moons: a Ka-band high resolution topographic mapping interferometric synthetic aperture radar

The topographic data set obtained by MOLA has provided an unprecedented level of information about Mars' geologic features. The proposed flight of JIMO provides an opportunity to accomplish a similar mapping of and comparable scientific discovery for the Jovian moons through us of an interferometric imaging radar analogous to the Shuttle radar that recently generated a new topographic map of Earth. A Ka-band single pass across-track synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometer can provide very high resolution surface elevation maps. The concept would use two antennas mounted at the ends of a deployable boom (similar to the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapper) extended orthogonal to the direction of flight. Assuming an orbit altitude of approximately 100 km and a ground velocity of approximately 1.5 km/sec, horizontal resolutions at the 10 meter level and vertical resolutions at the sub-meter level are possible.

Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter↗

Workshop on the Use of Future Multispectral Imaging Capabilities for Lithologic Mapping: Workshop summary

Improved orbital imaging capabilities from the standpoint of different scientific disciplines, such as geology, botany, hydrology, and geography were evaluated. A discussion on how geologists might exploit the anticipated measurement capabilities of future orbital imaging systems to discriminate and characterize different types of geologic materials exposed at the Earth's surface is presented. Principle objectives are to summarize past accomplishments in the use of multispectral imaging techniques for lithologic mapping; to identify critical gaps in earlier research efforts that currently limit the ability to extract useful information about the physical and chemical characteristics of geological materials from orbital multispectral surveys; and to define major thresholds, resolution and sensitivity within the visible and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum which, if achieved would result in significant improvement in our ability to discriminate and characterize different geological materials exposed at the Earth's surface.

Settle, M.↗

The mineralogy of global magnetic anomalies

Experimental and analytical data on magnetic mineralogy was provided as an aid to the interpretation of magnetic anomaly maps. An integrated program, ranging from the chemistry of materials from 100 or more km depth within the Earth, to an examination of the MAGSAT anomaly maps at about 400 km above the Earth's surface, was undertaken. Within this framework, a detailed picture of the pertinent mineralogical and magnetic relationships for the region of West Africa was provided. Efforts were directed toward: (1) examining the geochemistry, mineralogy, magnetic properties, and phases relations of magnetic oxides and metal alloys in rocks demonstrated to have originated in the lower crust of upper mantle, (2) examining the assumption that these rocks portray the nature of their source regions; and (3) examining the regional geology, tectonics, gravity field and the MAGSAT anomaly maps for West Africa.

Haggerty, S. E.↗

Satellite geological and geophysical remote sensing of Iceland

The author has identified the following significant results. The seasonal change in size of sediment plumes from the many glacial rivers which discharge into the sea along the south coast gives an indication of seasonal changes in melting rates of glaciers. Changes in area of lakes, particularly glacier-margin lakes can be mapped of most of the area covered by glacial ice in Iceland. Recently deglaciated terrain can be distinguished on MSS color composites. The increase in surface area of the ice-dammed lake, Graenalon, was monitored until the occurrence of a jokulhlaup, after which the surface area of the lake was considerably reduced. The effect of two subglacial jokulhlaups on the overlying ice cover can be seen in the form of collapse features in the surface of Vatnajokull. MSS color composites permit the mapping of five distinct vegetation types; forests, cultivated areas, grasslands, reclaimed areas, and lichen-covered bedrock. Features as small as 100 m can be discerned. The ability to map landforms, vegetation distribution, occurrence of snowcover, glaciers, and geologic structure stereoscopically permits a much greater accurate analysis of these features.

Williams, R. S., Jr.↗

Mapping existing wellbore locations to compare technical risks between onshore and offshore CCS activities in Texas

Carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage (CCS; geologic sequestration) is a promising technology for reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere from industrial point sources. Aspects of CCS have been investigated for over two decades, and many large- and small-scale geologic storage field demonstration projects are now underway globally. Interest in offshore CCS has been increasing in recent years (e.g., European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United States). Deep geologic storage in offshore settings is analogous to onshore CCS activities in many respects (i.e., geologic and geotechnical aspects), but is distinct from previously explored seabed sediment CO 2 storage) or deep marine dissolution). Given the large subsurface geologic storage volumes available in offshore settings, much discussion of offshore CCS is focused on the benefits and risks of such activity compared to onshore settings. Similar to onshore settings, existing (legacy) wells likely present the most direct migration pathway and largest risk of noncontainment in offshore settings. As part of current studies to evaluate geologic storage options in offshore settings along the Texas coast and greater Gulf of Mexico (GoM), mapping of the geographic distribution and ages of wells in a region containing coastal counties and extending 30 miles offshore Texas indicates that both well spatial density and well age decrease moving from onshore to offshore. Results suggest reduced risk of leakage owing to more rigorous and documented well completion and abandonment practices for these generally younger wells (although many are decades old). A result of decreased well density is that larger areas are available for leasing for CCS projects that avoid legacy wells altogether (> 1 mile from any existing well). The one-mile designation is used as an arbitrary convention, and while it is recognized that this is smaller than a typical area of review (AoR) for permitting, each site will have a different AoR radius for consideration. Finally, the combination of large subsurface storage volumes under control of a single landowner and reduced risks from legacy wells makes offshore CCS attractive in the GoM.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Chronology and global distribution of fault and ridge systems on Mars

Paleotectonic maps are presented showing fault and ridge systems on Mars as they existed during successive geologic periods: the Noachian, Hesperian, and Amazonian Periods, and their eight epoch subdivisions. The paleotectonic maps for the western, eastern, and polar regions were compiled at 1:15,000,000 scale and photographically reduced. Results show that most major fault systems are associated wiht large volcanic centers in the western equatorial region of Mars and that, probably, both faulting and volcanism decreased with time but included a pulse of renewed activity during the Early Hesperian.

Scott, D. H.↗

An Orbital Photogeologic Map of the Jezero Crater Rim: Diverse Targets for Mars 2020 Future Exploration.

The Perseverance rover on the Mars 2020 mission is currently collecting samples in Jezero crater for potential future return to Earth by the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. Jezero is a 45 km diameter mid- to late-Noachian-aged crater selected for its diverse geology and potential for preserving evidence of ancient life. The rover is approaching the crater rim, an area of interest for its potential to preserve diverse lithologies representative of a large period of geologic history. It has significant astrobiological potential, as it may preserve evidence of uplifted deep crust and ancient hydrothermal environments. Impact megabreccia in the crater rim may be exhumed pre-Noachian crust from the Isidis impact, which would likely be the oldest materials ever investigated by a rover on Mars. Additionally, the rim hosts outcrops of the regionally extensive and potentially volcanic olivine/carbonate unit and mafic capping unit, which could have implications for the evolution of Mars volcanism. Regional maps have delineated the lithologies present in and around Jezero as a whole. The largest scale that the crater rim geology has been mapped is 1:5000.

M C Deahn↗

Geological remote sensing of Palaeogene rocks in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming, USA

Remote sensing studies of Palaeogene sediments in the Wind River Basin (Wyoming) were used for mapping stratigraphic units, sedimentary features and facies, and structural patterns. Thematic Mapper principal component images for the central and eastern Wind River Basin along with geological investigations and spectral analyses allowed: mapping of the Fort Union, Wind River, and Wagon Bed formations (Fm) and their subunits; recognition of two subunits in the Wind River Fm, one of which can be traced for 75 km; determination of sediment source and depositional environment of units within the Wind River Fm; correlation of the Wagon Bed Fm across the basin; and apparent confirmation of different sources of volcanic debris in the western and southeastern exposures of the Wagon Bed Fm.

Krishtalka, L.↗

CARETS: A prototype regional environmental information system. Volume 5: Interpretation, compilation and field verification procedures in the CARETS project

The production of the CARETS map data base involved the development of a series of procedures for interpreting, compiling, and verifying data obtained from remote sensor sources. Level II land use mapping from high-altitude aircraft photography at a scale of 1:100,000 required production of a photomosaic mapping base for each of the 48, 50 x 50 km sheets, and the interpretation and coding of land use polygons on drafting film overlays. CARETS researchers also produced a series of 1970 to 1972 land use change overlays, using the 1970 land use maps and 1972 high-altitude aircraft photography. To enhance the value of the land use sheets, researchers compiled series of overlays showing i cultural features, county boundaries and census tracts, surface geology, and drainage basins. In producing Level I land use maps from Landsat imagery, at a scale I of 1:250,000, interpreters overlaid drafting film directly on Landsat color composite transparencies and interpreted on the film. They found that such interpretation involves pattern and spectral signature recognition. In studies using Landsat imagery, interpreters identified numerous areas of change but also identified extensive areas of "false change," where Landsat spectral signatures but not land use had changed.

Field verification procedures↗

ERTS-1 flood hazard studies in the Mississippi River Basin

The Spring 1973 Mississippi River flood was investigated using remotely sensed data from ERTS-1. Both manual and automatic analyses of the data indicate that ERTS-1 is extremely useful as a regional tool for flood and floodplain management. The maximum error of such flood area measurements is conservatively estimated to be less than five percent. Change detection analysis indicates that the flood had major impacts on soil moisture, land pattern stability, and vegetation stress. Flood hazard identification was conducted using photointerpretation techniques in three study areas along the Mississippi River using pre-flood ERTS-1 imagery down to 1:100,000 scale. Flood prone area boundaries obtained from ERTS-1 were generally in agreement with flood hazard maps produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey although the latter are somewhat more detailed because of their larger scale. Initial results indicate that ERTS-1 digital mapping of the flood-prone areas can be performed at least 1:62,500 which is comparable to conventional flood hazard map scales.

Rango, A.↗

Remote mineralogical and vegetation mapping using imaging spectrometry

Two airborne flight systems were developed for geological studies: the airborne imaging spectrometer (AIS) and the advanced visible and infrared imaging spectrometer. A satellite imaging spectrometer system, the high resolution imaging spectrometer, is currently being developed and is planned for flight on the proposed NASA Earth Orbiting System. Examples of the application of these instruments in mineral and vegetation studies are described. Experiments conducted with AIS over the Cuprite Mining District (Nevada) and the Owens Valley (California) demonstrate the power of this new approach to remote sensing.

King, James, Jr.↗