Project Title: Data Search and Image Processing of Viking Orbiter Images

Project Description:

Data search and image processing of Viking Orbiter images of the north polar region of Mars. Student will use a DEC micro VAX computer with PICS image processing software to identify and process high-quality images of the north polar layered deposits on Mars. The Regional Planetary Image facility at JPL will also be used to identify useful images.

Background Information:

The polar layered deposits on Mars probably record recent climate variations on Mars, but only part of the Viking Orbiter imaging dataset has been utilized in analyzing the topography and geology of the polar regions. We have NASA funding to investigate the stratigraphy and search for impact craters in the north polar layered deposits, out goal being to constrain the recent geologic history.

Literature References:

Herkenhoff and Murray (1990), J. Geophys. Res. 95, 14511

Plant and others (1988), Icarus 75, 357

Blasius and others (1982), Icarus 50, 140

Thomas and others (1992), in Mars, Univ. of Arizona Press, pp. 767-795

Cutts and others (1976), Science 194, 1329

Requirements:

The sponsor requires that interested students meet the following requirements:

Skills: VAX/VMS operating system; image processing experience desired.
Coursework: Introductory geology, geomorphology desired.
Major: Geology, Geophysics, Planetary Science, Astronomy

This opportunity is for:

Caltech students. Will consider non-Caltech students

Research Sponsor

Sponsor: Ken Herkenhoff
Division: JPL
Mail Code: 183-501
Phone: (818) 354-3539
E-mail: ken.e.herkenhoff@jpl.nasa.gov

For further information about the project, the student should contact: Ken Herkenhoff or Jeff Plant