Prof Bruce
Murray (GPS), Dr Asmin Pathare (GPS), Dr Sarah Milkovich (JPL), Dr. Shane
Byrne, U of A.
Technical support on image processing and available data sets from Rich Chomko
(chomko@gps.caltech.edu), and on
use of the ArcvView GIS system and extensions from Joanne Giberson (joanne@gps.caltech.edu).
Mail Code:
150-21 (GPS)
e-mail: bcm@caltech.edu; avp@gps.caltech.edu;
Sarah.M.Milkovich@jpl.nasa.gov; shane@quake.mit.edu
URL
The North and South Polar Layered Deposits (PLD) of Mars are of fundamental
climatological importance because they represent the largest actively-exchanging
reservoir
of Martian water. Additionally, the characteristic rhythmic layering
of the PLD strongly suggests that orbital variations have modulated
their formation (Murray et al. 1972; Thomas et al. 1992). Numerous workers
have attempted to statistically correlate PLD layers to predicted Martian
orbital cycles (e.g., Cutts and Lewis, 1982; Laskar et al. 2003; Milkovich
and Head, 2005; Fishbaugh and Hvidberg, 2006).
Following upon this work, we propose to undertake a systematic approach to
PLD stratigraphy, focusing upon the three-dimensional characterization of correlated
layers within different outcrops across the North and South PLD, using the
latest High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) and Mars Observer Camera (MOC)
imagery,
as
well as Mars Orbiter Laser Altimetry (MOLA) topography data. In order to decipher
the record of Martian climate change presumably encoded in the PLD, it is necessary
to understand the processes responsible for layer modification. Towards this
end, we will incorporate the evidence for widespread layering into capwide
models of PLD evolution involving such mechanisms as water ice sublimation,
dust deposition, and glacial flow.
Recent work
by Dr Murray and collaborators concerning the Martian polar regions
can be viewed at the URL above. We are open to expressions of interest
from potential SURF students either specifically in identified priority
areas related to polar stratigraphy or more generally on new investigations
of the Martian polar regions. Candidate SURF students are encouraged
to contact any of us to discuss potential projects. Open to both Caltech
and non-Caltech students.
Extended Bibliography for layering task:
Cutts, J.
A., and B. H. Lewis 1982. Models of climate cycles
recorded in Martian polar layered deposits. Icarus 50, 216-244.
Fishbaugh,
K.E., and C.S. Hvidberg 2006. Martian north polar capstratigraphy: Implications
for accumulation rates and flow. Submitted, JGR Planets.
Laskar, J., B. Levrard, and J. F. Mustard 2002. Orbital forcing
of the Martian polar layered deposits. Nature 419, 375-377.
Milkovich,
S. M. and J. W. Head III 2005. North polar cap of
Mars: Polar layered deposit characterization and identification
of fundamental climatic signal. JGR E01005, doi:10.1029/2004JE002349.
Murray, B.
C., L. A. Soderblom, J. A. Cutts, R. P. Sharp,
D. J. Milton, and R. B. Leighton 1972. Geological framework
of the south polar region of Mars. Icarus 17, 328-345.
Thomas, P.
C., S. Squyres, K. Herkenhoff, A. Howard, and
B. Murray 1992. Polar deposits of Mars. In Mars
(H. H. Kieffer, B. Jakosky, C. Snyder, M. Matthews,
Eds.), pp. 767.795. Univ. of Arizona Press, Tucson.
Requirements:
Working in XP with specialized software required; Linux and Unix machines available.
Open to Caltech and non-Caltech students.
Asmin Pathare
Associate Research Scientist,
Planetary Science Institute &
Postdoctoral Scholar, Caltech
(mailing address:)
California Institute of Technology
MC 150-21, Pasadena CA 91125
w-626-395-6791 f-626-585-1917
c-626-755-0929
avp@gps.caltech.edu
