HR: 0800h
AN: P41A-0895    [Abstracts]
TI: Topographic and Remote Sensing Analysis of Explosion Craters in the Nevada Test Site: Application to Mars Hazards
AU: * Hurtado, J M
EM: jhurtado@utep.edu
AF: University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Geological Sciences 500 W. University Blvd., El Paso, TX 79968 United States
AU: Chee, Y
EM: ychee@utep.edu
AF: University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Geological Sciences 500 W. University Blvd., El Paso, TX 79968 United States
AU: Farr, T G
EM: tom.farr@jpl.nasa.gov
AF: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, JPL MS 300-233, Pasadena, CA 91109 United States
AB: High-resolution LIDAR (LIght Detection and Ranging) data were recently acquired for several explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) for the purpose of generating high-resolution (1- to 2-m horizontal posting; 50-cm vertical accuracy) digital elevation models (DEMs). The LIDAR DEMs and ancillary datasets, including ASTER visible-IR images and SIR-C radar images, are to be used in the study of cratering processes. Among the questions we seek to answer are whether these explosion craters can be used as analogs for impact craters on Mars. To this end, we present an error analysis of the LIDAR DEMs and an assessment of their utility in hazard avoidance applications for landers and rovers. We show preliminary data integration results in which we geologically characterize the multisensor signatures of the craters and their ejecta. These results are interpreted in terms of hazard zones defined by different types of ejecta, rock populations, and topographic characteristics (e.g. slope, aspect, relief). From these, we aim to produce a quantitative hazards map for craters in the NTS that can serve as a model for the type of information LIDAR and imagery can provide to a hazard avoidance system. All data and derived products are being manipulated and cataloged in a geographic information system (GIS), which will facilitate the packaging and distribution of materials via the Planetary Data System or other community data repository. Work performed under contract to NASA.
DE: 5420 Impact phenomena (includes cratering)
DE: 5464 Remote sensing
DE: 5470 Surface materials and properties
DE: 5494 Instruments and techniques
DE: 6225 Mars
SC: Planetary Sciences [P]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting