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Amber Gullikson

Amber is a Geologist with the Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, AZ.

Amber's work primarily focuses on Terrestrial Analogs and Mars research, which includes creating multi-purpose field guides for planetary analogs within northern Arizona, collecting meteorological data and studying ripple migration at Grand Falls dune field, and characterizing impact melts and the internal structure of Meteor Crater’s ejecta blanket. She co-leads the USGS Astrogeology Terrestrial Analog Sample Collection, which currently houses samples from Meteor Crater, AZ, Flynn Creek Crater, TN, and the Shoemaker Sample Collection. Her research also includes studying Mars’ ancient hydrologic past, in the form of inverted stream channels and intracrater alluvial fans.

 

Professional Experience

  • 2015 – Present: Geologist with the USGS Astrogeology Science Center.

  • 2012 – 2014: Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant at Northern Arizona University. Thesis: Testing lunar crustal melting through experimental petrology: Implications for the genesis of silicic volcanism on the Moon.

  • 2013: Lunar Exploration Summer Intern, Lunar and Planetary Institute.

  • 2012: Multi-Anvil Laboratory, Research Technician, Arizona State University.

  • 2009 – 2012: Omni Pressure Laboratory, Research Technician, Arizona State University.

     

Education and Certifications

  • M.S. Geology, Northern Arizona University (2014)

  • B.S. Geological Sciences, Arizona State University (2011)

     

Honors and Awards

  • Patent for Method for measuring pressures in a high pressure cell by monitoring continuous changes in physical properties of GeO2-SiO2 solid solution. Patent number: US 9,243,968 B2 awarded 1/26/2016.

Abstracts and Presentations

  • Gullikson, A.L., Titus, T.N., Williams, K.E., and Cushing, G. (2022) Grand Falls Dune Field, Northern Arizona: Ripple Field Imaging and Meteorological Data Release for 2021. 7th International Planetary Dunes Workshop, abstract 3017.

  • Titus, T. N., Cushing, G. E., Gullikson, A. L., and Williams, K. E. (2022) Grand Falls Dune Field 2022 Ripple Field. 7th International Planetary Dunes Workshop, abstract 3005.

  • Gullikson, A. L., Gaither, T. A., Skinner, J. A. Jr., Black, S. R., and Buban, H. C. (2022) USGS Astrogeology Terrestrial Analogs Sample Collection: 2022 Update. 53rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 1599.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Titus, T.N., Williams, K.E., and Cushing, G. (2021), Ripple Migration at Grand Falls Dune Field, Northern AZ. Workshop on Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Exploration, abstract 8065.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Hunter, M.A., Titus, T.N., and Okubo, C. (2020). Planetary Geoscience Map Gateway: Implementation of the Mars Global Digital Dune Database. 6th International Planetary Dunes Workshop, abstract 3018.

  • Rumpf, M.E., Edgar, L.A., Gullikson, A.L., Skinner, J.A., Gaither, T.A., Keszthelyi, L.P., and Hunter, M.A. (2019). Planetary Analogs: Future Needs Defined by Community, American Geophysical Union, Fall meeting, abstract EP21E-2211.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Edgar, L.A., Rumpf, M.E., Skinner, J.A., and Skinner, L.A. (2019). USGS Astrogeology Terrestrial Analog Program: Development of Multipurpose Field Guides. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, abstract 66-6.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Hayward, R.K., Titus, T.N., Charles, H., Fenton, L.K., Hoover, R.H., and Putzig, N.E. (2019). Mars Global Digital Dune Database: Composition, Thermal Inertia, and Stability. Women in Space 2019 Conference.

  • Whelley, P., Enriquez, F., Richardson, J.A., Hurtado Jr., J.M., Gullikson, A.L., Young, K., and Bleacher, J.E. (2019). Evaluating Formation Models at Eroded Maar Craters. Chapman Conference on Distributed Volcanism and Distributed Volcanic Hazards, abstract 659355.

  • Fenton, L.K., Gullikson, A.L., Hayward, R.K., Charles, H., and Titus, T.N. (2019). The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MDG3): Composition and Stability. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 1115.

  • Skinner, L.A., Edgar, L.A., Gaither, T.A., Gullikson, A.L., Kestay, L.P., Rumpf, M.E., and Skinner, J.A., (2019). Assessing Community Needs and Developing Resources for Terrestrial Analog Studies. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2990.

  • Gullikson, A.L., and Okubo, C.H. (2019). Large-scale Geologic Mapping of Southeast Nia Mensa in Eastern Candor Chasma, Mars. 2019 Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers, abstract 7024.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Anderson, R.B., and Williams, R.M.E. (2018). Mapping Sinuous Ridges and Preliminary Fluvial Measurements in Northwest Hellas, Mars. 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2271.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Hayward, R.K., Titus, T.N., Charles, H., Fenton, L.K., Hoover, R.H., and Putzig, N.E. (2018). Mars Global Digital Dune Database: Composition, Thermal Inertia, and Stability. 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2304.

  • Williams, R.M.E., Gullikson, A.L., Anderson, R.B. (2017). Variations in alluvial fan morphology in southwestern Terra Sabea, Mars, suggest multiple, discrete depositional phases. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, abstract 303366.

  • Anderson, R.B., Williams, R.M.E., Gullikson, A.L. (2017). Alluvial fan morphology north of Hellas indicates multiple stages of deposition. 4th International Early Mars Conference, abstract 3050.

  • Fortezzo, C.M., Gullikson, A.L., Kumar, P.S., and Platz, T. (2017). Geologic mapping of central Valles Marineris, Mars, Year 4. 3rd Planetary Data Workshop and Geologic Mappers Meeting, abstract 7120.

  • Gaither, T.A., Hagerty, J.J., Villareal, K.A., Gullikson, A.L., and Leonard, H. (2017). Flynn Creek Impact Crater: Petrographic and SEM Analyses of Drill Cores from the Central Uplift. 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2263.

  • Zanetti, M., Jolliff, B.L., Shirley, K., Glotch, T.D., Hagerty, J.J., Gullikson, A.L. (2017). The Aristarchus Plateau Large Igneous Province: The Case for Bi-Modal Volcanism. 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2320.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Gaither, TA., Villarreal, K.A., and Hagerty, J.J. (2017). Petrographic Characterization and Preliminary Microthermometry of the Hydrothermal System at Flynn Creek crater, Tennessee. 8th Planetary Crater Consortium, abstract 1718.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Gaither, T.A., Villarreal, K.A., and Hagerty, J.J. (2016). Lithostratigraphic analysis of the Meteor Crater ejecta blanket. 47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 1541.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Anderson, R.B., and Williams, R.M.E. (2016). Mapping sinuous ridges in northwest Hellas, Mars. 47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2376.

  • Gaither, T.A., Hagerty, J.J., and Gullikson, A.L. (2016) Meteor Crater Impact Melt Formation: Evidence for Carbonate Melting. 47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2113.

  • Fortezzo, C.M., Gullikson, A.L., Rodriguez, A.P., Platz, T., and Kumar, P.S. (2016). Mapping geology in central Valles Marineris, Mars. 47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 1981.

  • Gullikson, A.L., Hagerty, J.J., and Reid, M.R., (2014). Investigating Lunar Crustal Melting Through Thermodynamic Modeling: Implications for the Genesis of Silicic Volcanism on the Moon. 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2277.

  • Gullikson, A. L., N. M. Curran, N. J. Potts, J. K. Dhaliwal, M. Leader, R. Rege, and D.A. Kring (2014). Traverse and station options for a robotic sample return to     Schrödinger basin. 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 2082.

  • Potts, N. J., A. Gullikson, N. M. Curran, J. K. Dhaliwal, G. Chang, M. K. Leader, R. N. Rege, D. A. Kring (2014). Mapping solar irradiance within Schrödinger basin for future robotic sample return missions. 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 1835.

  • Curran, N.M., Gullikson, A.L., Potts, N.J., Dhaliwal, J.K., Leader, M., Rege, R., and Kring, D.A. (2014). A Robotic Sample Return Mission to the Northern Portion of the Schrödinger Basin Peak Ring. 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract 1475.

  • Gullikson, A. L., J. J. Hagerty, M. R. Reid, J. F. Rapp, and D. S. Draper (2014). Investigating lunar crustal melting: Implications for genesis of silicic volcanism on the Moon. Goldschmidt 2014, abstract 883.

     

Science and Products

Spatial and temporal distribution of sinuous ridges in southeastern Terra Sabaea and the northern region of Hellas Planitia, Mars

Sinuous ridges are an important yet understudied component of Mars' hydrologic history. We have produced a map of sinuous ridges, valleys and channels, and tectonic ridges across southeastern Terra Sabaea and into northern Hellas Planitia (10°-45° S, 35°-80° E) using a CTX mosaic. Although we mapped different types of ridges and negative relief features, the focus of this paper are the sinuous rid
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Thermophysical and compositional properties of paleobedforms on Mars

Bedforms on Earth and Mars are often preserved in the rock record in the form of sedimentary rock with distinct cross-bedding. On rare occasions, the full-surface geometry of a bedform can be preserved through burial and lithification. These features, known as paleobedforms, are found in a variety of geographic locations on Mars. Evidence in the morphology of paleobedforms, such as the retention o
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Morphology and paleohydrology of intracrater alluvial fans north of Hellas Basin, Mars

Alluvial fans and sinuous ridges are both important records of the history of fluvial activity on Mars, and they often occur together. We present observations of alluvial fans, many of which exhibit inverted relief, in five craters in the region north of Hellas basin. The observed fans ranged in size from ~10 to 820 km2. We identified three primary fan surface morphology classes (chute, degraded,
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Workshop on terrestrial analogs for planetary exploration

Terrestrial analogs are an important part of the robotic and human exploration of the solar system. One of the main recommendations from a community survey conducted in 2019 was to hold a workshop to increase communication and share resources among scientists, engineers, data managers, educators, and students who are involved, or hope to be involved, in terrestrial analog studies.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

A geologic field guide to S P Mountain and its lava flow, San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona

IntroductionWe created this guide to introduce the user to the San Francisco Volcanic Field as a terrestrial analog site for planetary volcanic processes. For decades, the San Francisco Volcanic Field has been used to teach scientists to recognize the products of common types of volcanic eruptions and associated volcanic features. The volcanic processes and products observed in this volcanic field
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Astrogeology Science Center

The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3): Composition and stability

We present an expansion to the Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) describing 1) bulk dune field composition determined by fitting a mineral spectral library to Thermal Emission Spectra (TES) data, and 2) a morphologic stability index that measures the degree of non-aeolian modification that has eroded and stabilized each dune field. This paper describes results for these two components, prov
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Mars global digital dune database (MGD3)—Composition, stability, and thermal inertia

The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) is an online repository that has catalogued dune fields larger than 1 km2 located between latitudes 90° N. and 90° S. The work presented here expands upon previous MGD3 open-file reports, with a new emphasis upon characterizing dune fields through composition, stability, and thermal inertia. Included in this latest addition is a detailed compositional a
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Gullikson, A.L. J.J Hagerty, M.R. Reid, J.F. Rapp, D.S. Draper (2016) Silicic lunar volcanism: Testing the crustal melting model. American Mineralogist, 101 (10), 2312-2321.
Leinenweber, K. L., A. L. Gullikson, E. Stoyanov, and A. Malik (2015) Saturation curve of SiO2 component in rutile-type GeO2: A recoverable high-temperature pressure standard from 3 GPa to 10 GPa. Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 229, 10-18.
Gullikson, A. L., K. Leinenweber, E. Stoyanov, H. Zhang, and A. Malik (2014) High-pressure investigation in the system SiO2-GeO2: Mutual solubility of Si and Ge in quartz, coesite, and rutile phases. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 1-8.
Potts, N. J., A. L. Gullikson, N. M. Curran, J. K. Dhaliwal, M. K. Leader, R. N. Rege, K. K. Klaus, and D. A. Kring (2014) Robotic traverse and sample return strategies for a lunar farside mission to the Schrödinger basin. Advances in Space Research, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2014.11.028.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

link
Great Sand Dunes

Surface - Atmosphere interaction

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
link

Surface - Atmosphere interaction

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Learn More
link
A photo taken from within Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), near the summit of Kīlauea

Caves

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
link

Caves

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
Learn More
link
SP Crater Arizona

Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

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...
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
link

Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

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...
Learn More

Meteor Crater, Northern Arizona: Drill Hole Sample Collection, 1970-1973, and Curation, 2010-2013

Meteor Crater, located in northern Arizona, is one of the best preserved and easily accessible impact sites on Earth. Scientific investigations of this crater have led to improvements in our understanding of impact mechanics, cratering dynamics, and ejecta distribution [e.g., 1-5]. In addition, this site has a rich history as a terrestrial analog that has been used for training astronauts, scienti
By
Astrogeology Science Center

Imagery and meteorological data from April 2021 to December 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona

Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is an
By
Astrogeology Science Center

A Lithostratigraphic Analysis of the Meteor Crater Ejecta Blanket: Measurements, Assigned Facies, and Unit Thickness

Current models do not sufficiently explain target rock-projectile mixing and ejecta blanket formation for small impact craters (i.e., less than 2km diameter). For example, due to the size of Meteor Crater and the low-velocity at which materials were excavated from the transient crater, the extent of target rock-projectile mixing is expected to be minor. However, based on drilling notes from Dr. Da
By
Astrogeology Science Center

Imagery, soil temperature and humidity profiles, and meteorological data from December 2020 to April 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona

Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is an
By
Astrogeology Science Center

Science and Products

  • Publications

    Spatial and temporal distribution of sinuous ridges in southeastern Terra Sabaea and the northern region of Hellas Planitia, Mars

    Sinuous ridges are an important yet understudied component of Mars' hydrologic history. We have produced a map of sinuous ridges, valleys and channels, and tectonic ridges across southeastern Terra Sabaea and into northern Hellas Planitia (10°-45° S, 35°-80° E) using a CTX mosaic. Although we mapped different types of ridges and negative relief features, the focus of this paper are the sinuous rid
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Thermophysical and compositional properties of paleobedforms on Mars

    Bedforms on Earth and Mars are often preserved in the rock record in the form of sedimentary rock with distinct cross-bedding. On rare occasions, the full-surface geometry of a bedform can be preserved through burial and lithification. These features, known as paleobedforms, are found in a variety of geographic locations on Mars. Evidence in the morphology of paleobedforms, such as the retention o
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Morphology and paleohydrology of intracrater alluvial fans north of Hellas Basin, Mars

    Alluvial fans and sinuous ridges are both important records of the history of fluvial activity on Mars, and they often occur together. We present observations of alluvial fans, many of which exhibit inverted relief, in five craters in the region north of Hellas basin. The observed fans ranged in size from ~10 to 820 km2. We identified three primary fan surface morphology classes (chute, degraded,
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Workshop on terrestrial analogs for planetary exploration

    Terrestrial analogs are an important part of the robotic and human exploration of the solar system. One of the main recommendations from a community survey conducted in 2019 was to hold a workshop to increase communication and share resources among scientists, engineers, data managers, educators, and students who are involved, or hope to be involved, in terrestrial analog studies.
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    A geologic field guide to S P Mountain and its lava flow, San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona

    IntroductionWe created this guide to introduce the user to the San Francisco Volcanic Field as a terrestrial analog site for planetary volcanic processes. For decades, the San Francisco Volcanic Field has been used to teach scientists to recognize the products of common types of volcanic eruptions and associated volcanic features. The volcanic processes and products observed in this volcanic field
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Astrogeology Science Center

    The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3): Composition and stability

    We present an expansion to the Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) describing 1) bulk dune field composition determined by fitting a mineral spectral library to Thermal Emission Spectra (TES) data, and 2) a morphologic stability index that measures the degree of non-aeolian modification that has eroded and stabilized each dune field. This paper describes results for these two components, prov
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Mars global digital dune database (MGD3)—Composition, stability, and thermal inertia

    The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) is an online repository that has catalogued dune fields larger than 1 km2 located between latitudes 90° N. and 90° S. The work presented here expands upon previous MGD3 open-file reports, with a new emphasis upon characterizing dune fields through composition, stability, and thermal inertia. Included in this latest addition is a detailed compositional a
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Gullikson, A.L. J.J Hagerty, M.R. Reid, J.F. Rapp, D.S. Draper (2016) Silicic lunar volcanism: Testing the crustal melting model. American Mineralogist, 101 (10), 2312-2321.
    Leinenweber, K. L., A. L. Gullikson, E. Stoyanov, and A. Malik (2015) Saturation curve of SiO2 component in rutile-type GeO2: A recoverable high-temperature pressure standard from 3 GPa to 10 GPa. Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 229, 10-18.
    Gullikson, A. L., K. Leinenweber, E. Stoyanov, H. Zhang, and A. Malik (2014) High-pressure investigation in the system SiO2-GeO2: Mutual solubility of Si and Ge in quartz, coesite, and rutile phases. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 1-8.
    Potts, N. J., A. L. Gullikson, N. M. Curran, J. K. Dhaliwal, M. K. Leader, R. N. Rege, K. K. Klaus, and D. A. Kring (2014) Robotic traverse and sample return strategies for a lunar farside mission to the Schrödinger basin. Advances in Space Research, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2014.11.028.

    **Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

  • Science
    link
    Great Sand Dunes

    Surface - Atmosphere interaction

    The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
    link

    Surface - Atmosphere interaction

    The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
    Learn More
    link
    A photo taken from within Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), near the summit of Kīlauea

    Caves

    The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
    link

    Caves

    The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on caves. In particular, we are interested in the physics of caves, which involves the application of the principles of heat transfer, mass transfer and meteorology to understand how cave climates evolve. We are also interested in caves on other planetary bodies and moons, and how they may be used as resources for future missions.
    Learn More
    link
    SP Crater Arizona

    Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

    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...
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
    link

    Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

    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...
    Learn More
  • Data

    Meteor Crater, Northern Arizona: Drill Hole Sample Collection, 1970-1973, and Curation, 2010-2013

    Meteor Crater, located in northern Arizona, is one of the best preserved and easily accessible impact sites on Earth. Scientific investigations of this crater have led to improvements in our understanding of impact mechanics, cratering dynamics, and ejecta distribution [e.g., 1-5]. In addition, this site has a rich history as a terrestrial analog that has been used for training astronauts, scienti
    By
    Astrogeology Science Center

    Imagery and meteorological data from April 2021 to December 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona

    Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is an
    By
    Astrogeology Science Center

    A Lithostratigraphic Analysis of the Meteor Crater Ejecta Blanket: Measurements, Assigned Facies, and Unit Thickness

    Current models do not sufficiently explain target rock-projectile mixing and ejecta blanket formation for small impact craters (i.e., less than 2km diameter). For example, due to the size of Meteor Crater and the low-velocity at which materials were excavated from the transient crater, the extent of target rock-projectile mixing is expected to be minor. However, based on drilling notes from Dr. Da
    By
    Astrogeology Science Center

    Imagery, soil temperature and humidity profiles, and meteorological data from December 2020 to April 2021, Grand Falls Dune Field, Arizona

    Grand Falls dune field (GFDF) is located on the Navajo Nation, ~70 km NE of Flagstaff, AZ. This active dune field displays a range of morphologies, including barchans, smaller dunes, and ripples, and is bimodal in composition. The felsic component is likely derived from the Little Colorado River, and the mafic component (basaltic grains) is locally sourced from nearby cinder cones [1]. GFDF is an
    By
    Astrogeology Science Center