Toronto Geological Discussion Group
Matthew Svensson, Ph.D.
Geologist, GeologicAI
Talk Abstract:
From mineral exploration to interplanetary missions, field-portable and remotely operated analytical instrumentation has dramatically changed the way we conduct geosciences. Some of these analytical systems found their earliest geological applications in high-stakes programs to explore the history of Mars on board NASA’s rovers. Today, NASA’s Perseverance Rover uses visible to infrared spectroscopy (Vis-IR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and other instruments to search for geological evidence of ancient life at Jezero Crater. The Perseverance rover partially serves as a ground-truthing tool for orbital Vis-IR data, which was collected by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer (CRISM) mounted on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter satellite (MRO). Prior to rover-based exploration of Jezero, CRISM data showed a carbonate bearing unit at Jezero Crater had notable spectral diversity and was stratigraphically correlated with deltaic deposits. These observations were invoked to suggest a lacustrine origin of these carbonates. In this presentation, we will explore how the rover operations that followed have advanced this discussion, and how the rover’s instruments have been used conjointly to reconstruct the possible fluviolacustrine history of Jezero Crater.
Speaker Bio:
Matthew Svensson | LinkedIn
Join us in-person and attend our networking reception, sponsored by GeologicAI, using the above registration link for this event or join our live online broadcast below!
Prefer to join us online?
TGDG recommends using Google Chrome to run the meeting virtually. Please register/log-in for this online broadcast using the link. TGDG members will also be able to view this presentation at a later date by visiting our member's only Talk Recordings page.
© Copyright 2019 Toronto Geological Discussion Group