The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with access to a range of geologic analogs for planetary science and technology research. The ASC has a long history of responding to community needs and is currently working to provide the community with datasets, sample collections, logistical support, field guides, and other resources that support terrestrial analog fieldwork, testing, and data dissemination. Our vision is to lead the planetary science community in training, research, data archiving, and sample curation involving terrestrial analog field sites.
ASC is prepared to facilitate external scientists in their development and completion of fieldwork in Northern Arizona, as well as to support the long-term preservation of both digital and physical data. The TARGET program seeks to leverage the history, location, service-orientated project model, and cross-disciplinary nature of ASC to enhance the scientific and educational return from terrestrial analog studies. This program aims to provide information and tools to the broader community so the quality of analog studies can be improved by all scientists funded by NASA and other agencies.
What is an Analog?
Terrestrial analogs are locations on Earth with one or more geological, biological, or environmental conditions similar to those found on other planets, either past or present. Analog studies often focus on investigating geologic processes on Earth and extrapolating them to other planetary bodies. In addition to scientific investigations, terrestrial analogs are used for training, technology demonstrations, traverse planning, and field simulations.
Projects
- Terrestrial Analog Sample Collection
- Terrestrial Analogs Data Portal
- Multipurpose Field Guide Development (SP Crater, Verde Valley, SFVF, and others)
- San Francisco Volcanic Field Database Expansion
- San Francisco Volcanic Field: Geochemical Data Validation
- Aeolian monitoring at Grand Falls Dune Field
- Seasonal and Perennial Ice Monitoring at Lave River Cave and SUCR Ice Cave
- NASA Training for Engineers, Managers, and Astronauts
- Linking Thermophysical Properties of Earth to Mars: Analog Investigations of Past and Present Habitable Environments
- Sediment Transport in Dilute Pyroclastic Density Currents and Criteria for their Identification on Mars
- Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Geophysical Exploration of the Dynamics and Evolution of the Solar System (GEODES)
- An Innovative Numerical Method Toward Modeling Compound Lava Flow Development
- What makes an esker? Identifying evidence of wet-based glaciation on Mars
- Monitoring lava-water interaction in the 2014-2015 Holuhraun lava flow field
For more information, please email AstroAnalogs@usgs.gov
Common Analogs of Northern Arizona
Common Analogs in Northern Arizona
- Black Point Lava Flow – An analog for basaltic volcanism overlying ancient sedimentary deposits. Also used for science operations testing.
- Cinder Lake Crater Field – Cinder field with craters that were generated to replicate part of Mare Tranquillitatis. Used as an analog for traverse studies, navigation, and mobility.
- Overview
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with access to a range of geologic analogs for planetary science and technology research. The ASC has a long history of responding to community needs and is currently working to provide the community with datasets, sample collections, logistical support, field guides, and other resources that support terrestrial analog fieldwork, testing, and data dissemination. Our vision is to lead the planetary science community in training, research, data archiving, and sample curation involving terrestrial analog field sites.
ASC is prepared to facilitate external scientists in their development and completion of fieldwork in Northern Arizona, as well as to support the long-term preservation of both digital and physical data. The TARGET program seeks to leverage the history, location, service-orientated project model, and cross-disciplinary nature of ASC to enhance the scientific and educational return from terrestrial analog studies. This program aims to provide information and tools to the broader community so the quality of analog studies can be improved by all scientists funded by NASA and other agencies.
What is an Analog?
Terrestrial analogs are locations on Earth with one or more geological, biological, or environmental conditions similar to those found on other planets, either past or present. Analog studies often focus on investigating geologic processes on Earth and extrapolating them to other planetary bodies. In addition to scientific investigations, terrestrial analogs are used for training, technology demonstrations, traverse planning, and field simulations.
Projects
- Terrestrial Analog Sample Collection
- Terrestrial Analogs Data Portal
- Multipurpose Field Guide Development (SP Crater, Verde Valley, SFVF, and others)
- San Francisco Volcanic Field Database Expansion
- San Francisco Volcanic Field: Geochemical Data Validation
- Aeolian monitoring at Grand Falls Dune Field
- Seasonal and Perennial Ice Monitoring at Lave River Cave and SUCR Ice Cave
- NASA Training for Engineers, Managers, and Astronauts
- Linking Thermophysical Properties of Earth to Mars: Analog Investigations of Past and Present Habitable Environments
- Sediment Transport in Dilute Pyroclastic Density Currents and Criteria for their Identification on Mars
- Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) Geophysical Exploration of the Dynamics and Evolution of the Solar System (GEODES)
- An Innovative Numerical Method Toward Modeling Compound Lava Flow Development
- What makes an esker? Identifying evidence of wet-based glaciation on Mars
- Monitoring lava-water interaction in the 2014-2015 Holuhraun lava flow field
For more information, please email AstroAnalogs@usgs.gov
- Multimedia
Common Analogs of Northern Arizona
Common Analogs in Northern Arizona
- Black Point Lava Flow – An analog for basaltic volcanism overlying ancient sedimentary deposits. Also used for science operations testing.
- Cinder Lake Crater Field – Cinder field with craters that were generated to replicate part of Mare Tranquillitatis. Used as an analog for traverse studies, navigation, and mobility.
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