Research & Projects

The northwestern region of the Gale crater experienced flooding in the past. Delineation of stream networks for the northwestern region of Gale Crater, Mars employing geographic information systems (GIS) techniques is applied. The stream network produced by the algorithm in the study traverses the clay unit in Gediz Vallis, and visual HiRISE imagery analysis correlates with a topologic cross section of an inverted river channel of 750 meters wide and 90 meters deep. HiRISE imagery analysis further confirms a sulfate and clay stratigraphic unit in a stream 125 meters wide and 25 meters deep. Lastly, data smoothing procedures in the analysis are cross referenced by examining the Curiosity rover landing site. This area is visually analyzed via a HiRISE stamp and the stream network, which suggests minimal change in elevation. The findings of this work and the reliability of the results suggest implementation of GIS tools for continued surficial planetary exploration. The production of thematic hydrologic maps for larger regions on Mars and other rocky planets will serve as a dependable educational tool for mission planning as well as pedagogic benefit.

Objectives

By employing tools available on ArcGIS Pro, one of the aims of this thesis is to indicate the diversity and breadth of resources that the field of geography and GIS tools have to offer when considering planetary surface exploration and analysis. With this accomplished, the goal of this thesis will be to apply GIS river network delineation data analysis techniques to depict the surface of Gale Crater, Mars, through a geographic lens. Key findings will be correlated with the produced feature layers in a final map. In addition to the technical incorporation of GIS techniques, this task will be accomplished and justified by outlining key contributions geographers have made and the geographic analyses that facilitated the success of the methods that will be discussed throughout this thesis. Because this study is novel in nature, the hope is that more studies that implement GIS will be carried out in the future to elaborate on this work.

Results

The northwestern region of the Gale Crater experienced flooding in the past. Geologic evidence indicates a large clay unit at Gediz Vallis in Mount Sharp, and crater exhumation suggests hydrous conditions in the past. The stream network produced by the algorithm in the study traverses the clay unit in Gediz Vallis, and visual HiRISE imagery analysis correlates with a topologic cross-section of an inverted river channel 750 meters wide and 90 meters deep. HiRISE imagery analysis further confirms a sulfate and clay stratigraphic unit in a stream 125 meters wide and 25 meters deep. Lastly, data smoothing procedures in the analysis are cross-referenced by examining the Curiosity rover landing site. This area is visually analyzed via a HiRISE stamp and the stream network, which suggests minimal change in elevation.