A5085355407- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils
- Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping
- Geological formations and processes
- Clay minerals and soil interactions
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Spacecraft Design and Technology
- Iron oxide chemistry and applications
- Mineralogy and Gemology Studies
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Opportunistic and Delay-Tolerant Networks
- Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics
- Oil Spill Detection and Mitigation
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Reflective Practices in Education
- Polar Research and Ecology
- Bauxite Residue and Utilization
- Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry
- Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology
- Mine drainage and remediation techniques
- Marine and environmental studies
Carleton College
2024
University of Minnesota
2020-2023
California Institute of Technology
2018-2022
University of Minnesota System
2021-2022
Twin Cities Orthopedics
2022
Washington University in St. Louis
2014-2016
Opportunity has investigated in detail rocks on the rim of Noachian age Endeavour crater, where orbital spectral reflectance signatures indicate presence Fe +3 -rich smectites. The are associated with fine-grained, layered containing spherules diagenetic or impact origin. overlain by breccias, and both units cut calcium sulfate veins precipitated from fluids that circulated after impact. Compositional data for fractures suggest formation Al-rich smectites aqueous leaching. Evidence is thus...
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the Curiosity rover's exploration at Vera Rubin ridge (VRR) and summarizes science results. VRR is a distinct geomorphic feature on lower Aeolis Mons (informally known as Mount Sharp) that was identified in orbital data based its texture, topographic expression, association with hematite spectral signature. conducted extensive remote sensing observations, acquired dozens contact targets, drilled three outcrop samples from ridge, well one sample...
Modified clay minerals on Mars Sedimentary rocks exposed in Gale crater contain extensive minerals. Bristow et al. analyzed drill samples collected by the Curiosity rover as it climbed up sedimentary layers crater. They found evidence of past reactions with liquid water and sulfate brines, which could have percolated through from an overlying deposit. Similar deposits are widespread across planet represent some last to form before lost its surface water, so results inform our understanding...
Abstract The Glen Torridon (GT) region in Gale crater, Mars is a with strong clay mineral signatures inferred from orbital spectroscopy. CheMin X‐ray diffraction (XRD) instrument onboard the Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity , measured some of highest abundances to date within GT, complementing detections. GT may also be unique because XRD patterns samples, identified new phases, including: (a) Fe‐carbonates, and (b) phase novel peak at 9.2 Å. Fe‐carbonates have been previously suggested...
The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, explored the clay mineral-bearing Glen Torridon region for 1 Martian year between January 2019 and 2021, including a short campaign onto Greenheugh pediment. sought to characterize geology of area, seek evidence habitable environments, document onset potentially global climatic transition during Hesperian era. Curiosity roved 5 km in total throughout Torridon, from Vera Rubin ridge northern margin acquired samples 11 drill holes this conducted...
Abstract The Glen Torridon (GT) region within Gale crater, Mars, occurs in contact with the southern side of Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), a well‐defined geomorphic feature that is comparatively resistant to erosion. Prior detailed ground‐based investigation GT, its geologic relationship VRR was unknown. Distinct lithologic subunits Jura member (Murray formation), which forms upper part VRR, made it possible be also identified GT. This indicates strata pass across divide between regions....
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter HiRISE images and Opportunity rover observations of the ~22 km wide Noachian age Endeavour Crater on show that rim surrounding terrains were densely fractured during impact crater-forming event. Fractures have also propagated upward into overlying Burns formation sandstones. Opportunity's western crater segment, called Murray Ridge, is composed breccias with basaltic compositions, as well occasional fracture-filling calcium sulfate veins. Cook Haven, a gentle...
Abstract The Curiosity rover is exploring Hesperian-aged stratigraphy in Gale crater, Mars, where a transition from clay-bearing units to layered sulfate-bearing unit has been interpreted represent major environmental of unknown character. We present the first description key facies unit, recently observed distance by rover, and propose model for changes depositional environments. Our results indicate lacustrine mudstones into thick aeolian deposits, topped deflation surface, above which...
Abstract The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) suite instrument on board NASA's Curiosity rover has characterized the inorganic and organic chemical composition of seven samples from Glen Torridon (GT) clay‐bearing unit. A variety molecules were detected with SAM using pyrolysis (up to ∼850°C) wet chemistry experiments coupled evolved gas analysis (EGA) chromatography‐mass spectrometry. EGA GCMS analyses revealed a greater diversity abundance sulfur‐bearing aliphatic aromatic compounds in...
Visible/short-wave infrared spectral data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) show absorptions attributed to hematite at Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), a topographic feature on northwest Mt. Sharp. The goals of this study are determine why caused by ferric iron strongly visible orbit VRR and improve interpretation CRISM throughout lower These achieved analyzing coordinated in situ along Curiosity rover's traverse. bedrock within areas that have deepest also has...
Abstract Glen Torridon is a topographic trough located on the slope of Aeolis Mons, Gale crater, Mars. It corresponds to what was previously referred as “clay‐bearing unit,” due relatively strong spectral signatures clay minerals (mainly ferric smectites) detected from orbit. Starting in January 2019, Curiosity rover explored for more than 700 sols (Martian days). The objectives this campaign included acquiring detailed understanding geologic context which were formed, and determining...
Abstract The ~100 m wide Marathon Valley crosscuts the Cape Tribulation rim segment of 22 km diameter, Noachian‐age Endeavour impact crater on Mars. Single‐scattering albedo spectra retrieved from three Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) Full‐Resolution Targeted (FRT, regularized to 18 m/pixel) and two Along Track Oversampled (ATO, 12 observations indicate presence Fe 3+ ‐Mg 2+ smectite exposures located in with combination vibration metal‐OH absorption strength...
Abstract Evolved gas analysis (EGA) data from the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite indicated Fe‐rich smectite, carbonate, oxidized organics, Fe/Mg sulfate, and chloride in sedimentary rocks Glen Torridon (GT) region of Gale crater that displayed phyllosilicate spectral signatures orbit. SAM evolved H 2 O primary all GT samples was an dioctahedral smectite (e.g., nontronite) with lesser amounts a such as mixed layer talc‐serpentine or greenalite‐minnesotaite. CO supported...
Hyperspectral images collected by remote sensing have played a significant role in the discovery of aqueous alteration minerals, which turn important implications for our understanding changing habitability on Mars. Traditional spectral analyzes based summary parameters been helpful converting hyperspectral cubes into readily visualizable three channel maps highlighting high-level mineral composition Martian terrain. These used as starting point search specific phases images. Although amount...
More than a hundred thousand documented orphaned oil and gas wells are known to exist in the United States, with potentially millions remaining undocumented. Due funding shortfalls, many remain unplugged continue emit methane, potent greenhouse gas. Drone-based methane emission measurements can help prioritize mitigation efforts for aid locating undocumented wells, which unknown locations conditions. In collaboration Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) US...
Abstract Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars hyperspectral (1.0–2.65 µm) along‐track oversampled observations covering Victoria, Santa Maria, Endeavour, and Ada craters were processed to 6 m/pixel used in combination with Opportunity detect map hydrated Mg Ca sulfate minerals the Burns formation. The strongest spectral absorption features found be associated outcrops that are relatively young fresh (Ada) or preferentially scoured of dust, soil, coatings by prevailing winds....
Gale crater, the field site for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, contains a diverse and extensive record of aeolian deposition erosion. This study focuses on series regularly spaced, curvilinear, sometimes branching bedrock ridges that occur within Glen Torridon region lower northwest flank Aeolis Mons, central mound crater. During Curiosity's exploration between sols ∼2300-3080, rover drove through this ridges, providing opportunity in situ observation these features. uses...
Abstract This study demonstrates the synergies and limits of multiple measurement types for detection smectite chemistry oxidation state on planetary surfaces to infer past geochemical conditions. Smectite clay minerals are common products water-rock interactions throughout solar system, their characterization provides important clues about conditions environments if sufficient information composition can be discerned. Here, we synthesize report spectroscopic properties a suite samples that...
In this paper, we describe an ongoing multi-institution study in using emplaced computational resources such as high-volume storage and fast processing to enable instruments gather store much more data than would normally be possible, even if it cannot downlinked Earth any reasonable time. The primary focus of the is designing science pipelines for on-site summarization, archival future downlink, multisensor fusion. A secondary on providing support increasingly autonomous systems, including...