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Abstract
Data analysis methods have scarcely kept pace with the rapid increase in Earth observations, spurring the development of novel algorithms, storage methods, and computational techniques. For scientists interested in Mars, the problem is always the same: there is simultaneously never enough of the right data and an overwhelming amount of data in total. Finding sufficient data needles in a haystack to test a hypothesis requires hours of manual data screening, and more needles and hay are added constantly. To date, the vast majority of Martian research has been focused on either one-off local/regional studies or on hugely time-consuming manual global studies. Machine learning in its numerous forms can be helpful for future such work. Machine learning has the potential to help map and classify a large variety of both features and properties on the surface of Mars and to aid in the planning and execution of future missions. Here, we outline the current extent of machine learning as applied to Mars, summarize why machine learning should be an important tool for planetary geomorphology in particular, and suggest numerous research avenues and funding priorities for future efforts. We conclude that: (1) moving toward methods that require less human input (i.e., self- or semi-supervised) is an important paradigm shift for Martian applications, (2) new robust methods using generative adversarial networks to generate synthetic high-resolution digital terrain models represent an exciting new avenue for Martian geomorphologists, (3) more effort and money must be directed toward developing standardized datasets and benchmark tests, and (4) the community needs a large-scale, generalized, and programmatically accessible geographic information system (GIS).
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Golombek M, Kass D, Williams N, Warner N, Daubar I, Piqueux S, Charalambous C, Pike WT. Assessment of InSight Landing Site Predictions. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2020; 125:e2020JE006502. [PMID: 32999801 PMCID: PMC7507760 DOI: 10.1029/2020je006502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive analysis of remote sensing data used to select the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) landing site correctly predicted the atmospheric temperature and pressure profile during entry and descent, the safe landing surface, and the geologic setting of the site. The smooth plains upon which the InSight landing site is located were accurately predicted to be generally similar to the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit landing site with relatively low rock abundance, low slopes, and a moderately dusty surface with a 3-10 m impact fragmented regolith over Hesperian to Early Amazonian basaltic lava flows. The deceleration profile and surface pressure encountered by the spacecraft during entry, descent, and landing compared well (within 1σ) of the envelope of modeled temperature profiles and the expected surface pressure. Orbital estimates of thermal inertia are similar to surface radiometer measurements, and materials at the surface are dominated by poorly consolidated sand as expected. Thin coatings of bright atmospheric dust on the surface were as indicated by orbital albedo and dust cover index measurements. Orbital estimates of rock abundance from shadow measurements in high-resolution images and thermal differencing indicated very low rock abundance and surface counts show 1-4% area covered by rocks. Slopes at 100 to 5 m length scale measured from orbital topographic and radar data correctly indicated a surface comparably smooth and flat as the two smoothest landing sites (Opportunity and Phoenix). Thermal inertia and radar data indicated the surface would be load bearing as found.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Golombek
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - D. Kass
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - N. Williams
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - N. Warner
- Department of Geological SciencesState University of New York College at GeneseoGeneseoNYUSA
| | - I. Daubar
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
- Earth, Environmental, and Planetary SciencesBrown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | - S. Piqueux
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - C. Charalambous
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - W. T. Pike
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Kereszturi A, Kapui Z, Ori GG, Taj-Eddine K, Ujvari G. Mars-Relevant Field Experiences in Morocco: The Importance of Spatial Scales and Subsurface Exploration. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1329-1350. [PMID: 30251874 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
During field work at the Ibn Battuta Mars analogue sites, two research questions were analyzed: (1) How do we identify sampling sites using remote and local imaging and (2) what kind of information can be gained from shallow subsurface exploration? While remote images help in targeting field activities in general, the connection between observations at different spatial scales for different rocky desert terrain types is not well established; in this, focused comparison of remote in situ images of well-selected analogues would help a great deal. Dried up lake beds as discerned in remotely acquired data may not show signatures of past water activity, while shallow subsurface exploration could reveal the lacustrine period. Acquisition of several satellite images of the same terrain under different geometries would help to support the planning of such in situ work. The selection of appropriate sampling sites in fluvial settings could be improved by analyzing long, meter-high, open-air outcrops that formed during most recent fluvial episodes. Such settings are abundant on Earth and could be present on Mars but may be just below the resolution of available data. By using 20-30-cm-deep excavations, shallow subsurface exploration could reveal the last period of geological history that would have been unattainable by surface observation alone. Aggregates embedded in the original strata or from heavily pulverized samples could not be identified; only weakly fragmented samples viewed right after acquisition showed aggregates, and thus, the Close-Up Imager (CLUPI) on the ExoMover might provide information on cementation-related aggregation on the observing plate before crushing. The mechanical separation of different size grains (mainly clays and attached minerals) would also support the identification of individual components. To maximize context information during subsurface exploration, rover imaging should be accomplished before crushing; however, currently planned imaging may not be ideal for this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Kereszturi
- 1 Konkoly Thege Miklos Astronomical Institute , Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Kapui
- 2 Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research , Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gian Gabrielle Ori
- 3 Ibn Battuta Centre, Cadi Ayyad University , Marrakech, Morocco
- 4 International Research School on Planetary Sciences , Pescara, Italy
| | - Kamal Taj-Eddine
- 3 Ibn Battuta Centre, Cadi Ayyad University , Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Gabor Ujvari
- 2 Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research , Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Rummel JD, Beaty DW, Jones MA, Bakermans C, Barlow NG, Boston PJ, Chevrier VF, Clark BC, de Vera JPP, Gough RV, Hallsworth JE, Head JW, Hipkin VJ, Kieft TL, McEwen AS, Mellon MT, Mikucki JA, Nicholson WL, Omelon CR, Peterson R, Roden EE, Sherwood Lollar B, Tanaka KL, Viola D, Wray JJ. A new analysis of Mars "Special Regions": findings of the second MEPAG Special Regions Science Analysis Group (SR-SAG2). ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:887-968. [PMID: 25401393 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A committee of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) has reviewed and updated the description of Special Regions on Mars as places where terrestrial organisms might replicate (per the COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy). This review and update was conducted by an international team (SR-SAG2) drawn from both the biological science and Mars exploration communities, focused on understanding when and where Special Regions could occur. The study applied recently available data about martian environments and about terrestrial organisms, building on a previous analysis of Mars Special Regions (2006) undertaken by a similar team. Since then, a new body of highly relevant information has been generated from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (launched in 2005) and Phoenix (2007) and data from Mars Express and the twin Mars Exploration Rovers (all 2003). Results have also been gleaned from the Mars Science Laboratory (launched in 2011). In addition to Mars data, there is a considerable body of new data regarding the known environmental limits to life on Earth-including the potential for terrestrial microbial life to survive and replicate under martian environmental conditions. The SR-SAG2 analysis has included an examination of new Mars models relevant to natural environmental variation in water activity and temperature; a review and reconsideration of the current parameters used to define Special Regions; and updated maps and descriptions of the martian environments recommended for treatment as "Uncertain" or "Special" as natural features or those potentially formed by the influence of future landed spacecraft. Significant changes in our knowledge of the capabilities of terrestrial organisms and the existence of possibly habitable martian environments have led to a new appreciation of where Mars Special Regions may be identified and protected. The SR-SAG also considered the impact of Special Regions on potential future human missions to Mars, both as locations of potential resources and as places that should not be inadvertently contaminated by human activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Rummel
- 1 Department of Biology, East Carolina University , Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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Heldmann JL, Schurmeier L, McKay C, Davila A, Stoker C, Marinova M, Wilhelm MB. Midlatitude ice-rich ground on mars as a target in the search for evidence of life and for in situ resource utilization on human missions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:102-118. [PMID: 24506507 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2013.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Midlatitude ground ice on Mars is of significant scientific interest for understanding the history and evolution of ice stability on Mars and is relevant for human exploration as a possible in situ resource. For both science and exploration, assessing the astrobiological potential of the ice is important in terms of (1) understanding the potential for life on Mars and (2) evaluating the presence of possible biohazards in advance of human exploration. In the present study, we review the evidence for midlatitude ground ice on Mars, discuss the possible explanations for its occurrence, and assess its potential habitability. During the course of study, we systematically analyzed remote-sensing data sets to determine whether a viable landing site exists in the northern midlatitudes to enable a robotic mission that conducts in situ characterization and searches for evidence of life in the ice. We classified each site according to (1) presence of polygons as a proxy for subsurface ice, (2) presence and abundance of rough topographic obstacles (e.g., large cracks, cliffs, uneven topography), (3) rock density, (4) presence and abundance of large boulders, and (5) presence of craters. We found that a suitable landing site exists within Amazonis Planitia near ground ice that was recently excavated by a meteorite impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Heldmann
- 1 NASA Ames Research Center , Division of Space Sciences and Astrobiology, Moffett Field, California
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Stoker CR, Zent A, Catling DC, Douglas S, Marshall JR, Archer D, Clark B, Kounaves SP, Lemmon MT, Quinn R, Renno N, Smith PH, Young SM. Habitability of the Phoenix landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Holstein-Rathlou C, Gunnlaugsson HP, Merrison JP, Bean KM, Cantor BA, Davis JA, Davy R, Drake NB, Ellehoj MD, Goetz W, Hviid SF, Lange CF, Larsen SE, Lemmon MT, Madsen MB, Malin M, Moores JE, Nørnberg P, Smith P, Tamppari LK, Taylor PA. Winds at the Phoenix landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mellon MT, Malin MC, Arvidson RE, Searls ML, Sizemore HG, Heet TL, Lemmon MT, Keller HU, Marshall J. The periglacial landscape at the Phoenix landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Heet TL, Arvidson RE, Cull SC, Mellon MT, Seelos KD. Geomorphic and geologic settings of the Phoenix Lander mission landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2009je003416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Smith PH, Tamppari LK, Arvidson RE, Bass D, Blaney D, Boynton WV, Carswell A, Catling DC, Clark BC, Duck T, Dejong E, Fisher D, Goetz W, Gunnlaugsson HP, Hecht MH, Hipkin V, Hoffman J, Hviid SF, Keller HU, Kounaves SP, Lange CF, Lemmon MT, Madsen MB, Markiewicz WJ, Marshall J, McKay CP, Mellon MT, Ming DW, Morris RV, Pike WT, Renno N, Staufer U, Stoker C, Taylor P, Whiteway JA, Zent AP. H2O at the Phoenix landing site. Science 2009; 325:58-61. [PMID: 19574383 DOI: 10.1126/science.1172339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Phoenix mission investigated patterned ground and weather in the northern arctic region of Mars for 5 months starting 25 May 2008 (solar longitude between 76.5 degrees and 148 degrees ). A shallow ice table was uncovered by the robotic arm in the center and edge of a nearby polygon at depths of 5 to 18 centimeters. In late summer, snowfall and frost blanketed the surface at night; H(2)O ice and vapor constantly interacted with the soil. The soil was alkaline (pH = 7.7) and contained CaCO(3), aqueous minerals, and salts up to several weight percent in the indurated surface soil. Their formation likely required the presence of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Smith
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Zent AP, Hecht MH, Cobos DR, Campbell GS, Campbell CS, Cardell G, Foote MC, Wood SE, Mehta M. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP) for Phoenix. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Levy J, Head J, Marchant D. Thermal contraction crack polygons on Mars: Classification, distribution, and climate implications from HiRISE observations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Hudson TL, Aharonson O, Schorghofer N. Laboratory experiments and models of diffusive emplacement of ground ice on Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mellon MT, Boynton WV, Feldman WC, Arvidson RE, Titus TN, Bandfield JL, Putzig NE, Sizemore HG. A prelanding assessment of the ice table depth and ground ice characteristics in Martian permafrost at the Phoenix landing site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Kirk RL, Howington-Kraus E, Rosiek MR, Anderson JA, Archinal BA, Becker KJ, Cook DA, Galuszka DM, Geissler PE, Hare TM, Holmberg IM, Keszthelyi LP, Redding BL, Delamere WA, Gallagher D, Chapel JD, Eliason EM, King R, McEwen AS. Ultrahigh resolution topographic mapping of Mars with MRO HiRISE stereo images: Meter-scale slopes of candidate Phoenix landing sites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mellon MT, Arvidson RE, Marlow JJ, Phillips RJ, Asphaug E. Periglacial landforms at the Phoenix landing site and the northern plains of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Ming DW, Morris RV, Woida R, Sutter B, Lauer HV, Shinohara C, Golden DC, Boynton WV, Arvidson RE, Stewart RL, Tamppari LK, Gross M, Smith P. Mars 2007 Phoenix Scout mission Organic Free Blank: Method to distinguish Mars organics from terrestrial organics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Tamppari LK, Barnes J, Bonfiglio E, Cantor B, Friedson AJ, Ghosh A, Grover MR, Kass D, Martin TZ, Mellon M, Michaels T, Murphy J, Rafkin SCR, Smith MD, Tsuyuki G, Tyler D, Wolff M. Expected atmospheric environment for the Phoenix landing season and location. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Smith PH, Tamppari L, Arvidson RE, Bass D, Blaney D, Boynton W, Carswell A, Catling D, Clark B, Duck T, DeJong E, Fisher D, Goetz W, Gunnlaugsson P, Hecht M, Hipkin V, Hoffman J, Hviid S, Keller H, Kounaves S, Lange CF, Lemmon M, Madsen M, Malin M, Markiewicz W, Marshall J, McKay C, Mellon M, Michelangeli D, Ming D, Morris R, Renno N, Pike WT, Staufer U, Stoker C, Taylor P, Whiteway J, Young S, Zent A. Introduction to special section on the Phoenix Mission: Landing Site Characterization Experiments, Mission Overviews, and Expected Science. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Seelos KD, Arvidson RE, Cull SC, Hash CD, Heet TL, Guinness EA, McGuire PC, Morris RV, Murchie SL, Parker TJ, Roush TL, Seelos FP, Wolff MJ. Geomorphologic and mineralogic characterization of the northern plains of Mars at the Phoenix Mission candidate landing sites. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008je003088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Michaels TI, Rafkin SCR. Meteorological predictions for candidate 2007 Phoenix Mars Lander sites using the Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (MRAMS). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Golombek MP, Huertas A, Marlow J, McGrane B, Klein C, Martinez M, Arvidson RE, Heet T, Barry L, Seelos K, Adams D, Li W, Matijevic JR, Parker T, Sizemore HG, Mellon M, McEwen AS, Tamppari LK, Cheng Y. Size-frequency distributions of rocks on the northern plains of Mars with special reference to Phoenix landing surfaces. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2007je003065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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