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ETD Abstract Container

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Automated Tools and Techniques for Mars Forward Exploration

Allender, Elyse J
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1480328341223151

Abstract Details

2016, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Geography.
This dissertation introduces an automated method for exploring hyperspectral images taken by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) instrument onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The method facilitates global scale surveys of martian mineralogy as an analyst can utilize the method to screen a large sample of images for those containing broadly defined deposits of interest and then perform detailed manual analysis on these deposits to extract their specific content. This method is tested on a subset of 20 images with known content to ensure its performance. Gully formations on Mars have been the focus of many morphological and mineralogical studies aimed at inferring the mechanism of their formation, however, most existing studies draw conclusions on the basis of analyzing a single image or a small set of images. 354 globally distributed gully-bearing CRISM images are manually analyzed using a suite of CRISM browse products. The primary goal of this analysis is to identify all spectrally distinct deposits in these images (if any), while the secondary goal is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of the automated method for performing future surveys. Qualitatively both the manual and automatic surveys arrive at the same overall conclusion, which is that most martian gullies are indistinct from their surroundings, yet if distinct deposits are found, the majority are hydrated. Based on these results it cannot definitively be concluded that a hydrated mechanism was not involved in the emplacement and modification of gully features. This dissertation additionally demonstrates how remotely-sensed scientific data can be integrated with Mars Forward exploration objectives in a format that mission architects and engineers can use for decision making purposes. A lunar trade study focusing on the exploration of the South Pole-Aitken Basin is presented. This region has not been visited by any human missions, yet exhibits a multitude of scientifically important locations – the investigation of which will address long standing questions in lunar research.
Tomasz Stepinski, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Richard Beck, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Christina E. Viviano-Beck, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Hongxing Liu, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Kevin Raleigh, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
229 p.
Geography
Mars; Hyperspectral; Remote Sensing; Lunar; Gullies; CRISM

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Allender, E. J. (2016). Automated Tools and Techniques for Mars Forward Exploration [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1480328341223151

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Allender, Elyse. Automated Tools and Techniques for Mars Forward Exploration. 2016. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1480328341223151.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Allender, Elyse. "Automated Tools and Techniques for Mars Forward Exploration." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1480328341223151

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1480328341223151
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.