Understanding sub-surface and surface-atmosphere interaction processes on Mars from the last forty years of time-registered multi-angle orbital observ
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Mullard Space Science Laboratory
Abstract
Within the EU-FP7 iMars project, methods have been developed to automate the screening of high quality, high resolution (<<100m) images and subsequently co-register and terrain correct hundreds and thousands of these NASA images to a global base image map set based on ESA's HRSC stereo photogrammetric mapping images acquired over the last decade and longer. In the process, detailed three-dimensional models (Digital Terrain Models, DTMs) have been created of around half of the Martian surface. Using a similar automated co-registration approach, hyper-spectral images from instruments such as the NASA MRO CRISM can be co-registered to orthorectified CTX and HiRISE imagery. Finally, automated data mining techniques have been developed to "mark" features, which have changed over the last 40 years
This presents the possibility that for extensive areas of Mars, not only can we study the three-dimensional structure of these features but also interpret their composition. This study will exploit this unique resource to gain a deeper understanding of the Martian surface and subsurface looking particularly at features on the residual south polar cap (RSPC), such as so-called "Swiss cheese terrain", CO2 geysers and impact craters employing global images from the MARCI instrument to interpret synoptic-scale atmospheric activities and how these may be related to changes in the surface features. Laboratory activities are planned to support interpretation of the spectroscopic studies. Finally, the search for PAH signatures in hyperspectral CISM images will be employed to place a lower limit on the amount of PAH which might be present.
This presents the possibility that for extensive areas of Mars, not only can we study the three-dimensional structure of these features but also interpret their composition. This study will exploit this unique resource to gain a deeper understanding of the Martian surface and subsurface looking particularly at features on the residual south polar cap (RSPC), such as so-called "Swiss cheese terrain", CO2 geysers and impact craters employing global images from the MARCI instrument to interpret synoptic-scale atmospheric activities and how these may be related to changes in the surface features. Laboratory activities are planned to support interpretation of the spectroscopic studies. Finally, the search for PAH signatures in hyperspectral CISM images will be employed to place a lower limit on the amount of PAH which might be present.
People |
ORCID iD |
Jan-Peter Muller (Primary Supervisor) | |
Jacqueline Campbell (Student) |
Publications
Campbell J
(2018)
A search for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons over the Martian South Polar Residual Cap
in Icarus
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ST/N504488/1 | 30/09/2015 | 30/03/2021 | |||
1747495 | Studentship | ST/N504488/1 | 30/09/2016 | 04/08/2020 | Jacqueline Campbell |
Title | SSHADE Solid Spectroscopy Hosting Architecture of Databases and Expertise |
Description | SSHADE is an interoperable Solid Spectroscopy database infrastructure (www.sshade.eu) providing spectral and photometric data obtained by various spectroscopic techniques over the whole electromagnetic spectrum from gamma to radio wavelengths, through X, UV, Vis, IR, and mm ranges. The measured samples include ices, minerals, rocks, organic and carbonaceous materials... and also liquids. They are either synthesized in the laboratory, natural terrestrial analogs collected or measured in the field, or extraterrestrial samples collected on Earth or on planetary bodies: (micro-)meteorites, IDPs, lunar soils... SSHADE contains a set of specialized databases from various European research groups and is developed under the European program "Europlanet 2020-RI" (H2020)* with the help of OSUG, CNRS/INSU and CNES. It is hosted by the OSUG data center / Université Grenoble Alpes, France. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | My results on baseline spectra for Mars analogues and organics is available for others to use and reference. |
URL | https://www.sshade.eu/ |
Description | Laboratory Analysis of Martian South Polar Residual Cap Analogues for Comparison With CRISM Observations for Detection of Organics |
Organisation | University of Grenoble |
Department | Institute for Planetary sciences and Astrophysics Grenoble (IPAG) |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The aims of the experiments carried out were to generate a diagnostic spectrum for PAHs of astrobiological interest in the context of Mars, to constrain the detectability limit of PAHs in CO2 ice, and to establish the characteristics of PAH spectral features at wavelengths other than the absorption feature at 3.29 µm, where they might be easier to discern within the CO2 ice spectrum. The site of the experiments was the "Cold Surface Spectroscopy" facility (CSS) at Institut de Planétologie et Astrophysique de Grenoble (IPAG) Grenoble, France in order to use the spectro-gonio radiometer and its CarboN-IR environmental cell, which has been specifically developed for studying Martian CO2 ice. A series of 5 separate experiments were carried out, and the detectability limit of PAHs was established and diagnostic absorption features for higher concentrations of PAHs were recorded at a number of wavelengths, while the limitations of detecting PAHs in Martian regolith analogue were observed. |
Collaborator Contribution | IPAG provided the equipment, software and technical assistance and expertise for me to carry out the practical experiments. |
Impact | Oral Communications: Campbell, J.D., P. Sidiropoulos, P., Muller, J-P. 'Hyperspectral Analysis of the Mars South Polar Residual Cap using CRISM' British Planetary Science Congress, Glagow, UK. 3-5/12/17 Campbell, J.D., P. Sidiropoulos, P., Muller, J-P. 'The Search for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Mars South Polar Residual Cap Using CRISM' UK Planetary Forum Early Career Meeting, Glasgow, UK. 06/12/17 Campbell, J.D. Schmitt, B. Brissaud. O. Peck, P. Sidiropoulos, P. Muller, J-P. 'Compositional Mapping of the Martian South Polar Residual Cap using hyperspectral data from CRISM'. ESLAB 51st Symposium, ESTEC, Netherlands, 4-8/12/17 Campbell, J.D. Schmitt, B. Brissaud. O. Peck, P. Sidiropoulos, P. Muller, J-P. 'Searching for Organic Signatures on the Martian South Pole'. Astrobiology and Planetary Exploration Meeting. UCL, London, UK. 01/02/18 Campbell, J.D. Schmitt, B. Brissaud. O. Peck, P. Sidiropoulos, P. Muller. 'Searching for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Mars'. Mullard Space Science Laboratory Solar System Meeting. 21/02/18 Poster Communications: Campbell, J.D., P. Sidiropoulos, P., Muller. 'Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on the Martian South Polar Residual Cap'. European Geoscience Union, Vienna, Austria. 8-13/04/18 Paper in Preparation: Campbell, J.D. Schmitt, B. Brissaud. O. Peck, P. Sidiropoulos, P. Muller, J-P. 'Detectability limits of PAHs in Martian SPRC analogues' (title tbc). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Laboratory analysis of Martian Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) analogues for comparison with CRISM observations for detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons |
Organisation | University of Grenoble |
Department | Institute for Planetary sciences and Astrophysics Grenoble (IPAG) |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The aims of the experiments carried out were to generate a diagnostic spectrum for PAHs of astrobiological interest in the context of Mars, to constrain the detectability limit of PAHs in RSL-like environments, and to establish the spectral characteristics of Martian soil analogue, MgCl2.6H2O, PAHs, and various mixes of these components at various ratios and under various environmental conditions. The site of the experiments was the "Cold Surface Spectroscopy" facility (CSS) at Institut de Planétologie et Astrophysique de Grenoble (IPAG) Grenoble, France in order to use the spectro-gonio radiometer and its CarboN-IR environmental cell, which has been specifically developed for studying planetary analogues. 18 distinct samples were examined, with additional sub-samples examined in various stages of hydration. The detectability limit of PAHs was established within RSL analogues, and diagnostic absorption features for higher concentrations of PAHs were recorded at a number of wavelengths. A number of series of spectra were recorded with varying ratios of PAH and salt content, and we found that drying brines with in soil sample increased the detectability of PAHs compared with soil samples void of salt. |
Collaborator Contribution | IPAG provided equipment, software and technical expertise to carry out my experiments |
Impact | Paper in preperation |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | APEX seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented my research to PAEX seminar for students and general public interested in astrobiology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
Description | An Evening with the Planets |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public event with professionals about space and planetary science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | MSSL 50th anniversary |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented to participants at MSSL's 50th Birthday public event on my research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Mission to Mars |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | A day of planetary science workshops and presentations for schools to learna bout Mars and rover and orbiter research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
Description | Open evening MSSL |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was a public lecture on the solar system for UCL, help at Mullard Space Science Laboratory. Several talks were given to give the public an overview of the search for life on Mars |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | School visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Atteneded Tolworth girl's school to discusss careers of women in STEM and explain my research to 11-15 year olds |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Science is for Everyone, ESTEC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Following the talk at EWASS, I was asked to give the same talk at ESA in Netherlands (ESTEC). A talk about diversity, equality and inclusion in science at a science conference to open doors to those typically excluded from science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Science is for Everyone, EWASS 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | A talk about diversity, equality and inclusion in science at a science conference to open doors to those typically excluded from science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Spacelink Web presentations |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Ongoing webcasts to educate public about space science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
URL | https://spacelink.org/ |
Description | UCL International Day of Light |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Displaying research to schools visiting UCL to encourage interest in STEM using Magic Planet to describe analysis of Mars and otherplanets |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | University of Brighton Careers Fair |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presenting on my career path and research at my old university |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Webcast for Institute of Environmental Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk on Mars science for IES podcast series |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF1vXi7-vYU |