Corey Fortezzo is a member of the Planetary Geologic Mapping group at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona.
I have worked on mapping projects on the Moon and Mars. I have 20+ years of experience using Geographic Information Systems in both civic and geoscience research applications. I am currently the project lead for the NASA/USGS Planetary Geologic Mapping Program.
Professional Experience
2005 – Present: USGS Astrogeology Science Center
2003-2005: Center for Earth and Planetary Studies
Education and Certifications
M.S. - Geology, Northern Arizona University
B.S. – Natural Resources/Geology, Colorado State University
Science and Products
Geographic Boundaries Of Planetary Geologic Maps
A polygon layer of regions of multiple planetary bodies beyond Earth that are covered by proposed or published planetary geologic maps published by the USGS.
Appendices for Planetary Geologic Mapping: Program Status and Future Needs
Appendices include the original survey, response data, and collated results related to the Open File Report. Geoscience maps, regardless of target body, are spatial and temporal representations of materials and processes recorded on planetary surfaces (Varnes, 1973; Spencer, 2000). The information and context provided by these maps promote basic and applied research within and across various geosc
Unified Geologic Map of the Moon
Unified Geologic Map of the Moon
Unified Geologic Map of the Moon
USGS SIM 3177: Geologic Map of the North Polar Region of Mars
USGS SIM 3177: Geologic Map of the North Polar Region of Mars
USGS SIM 3177: Geologic Map of the North Polar Region of Mars
USGS SIM 3041: Geologic Map of MTM -20012 and -25012 Quadrangles, Margaritifer Terra Region of Mars
USGS SIM 3041: Geologic Map of MTM -20012 and -25012 Quadrangles, Margaritifer Terra Region of Mars
USGS SIM 3041: Geologic Map of MTM -20012 and -25012 Quadrangles, Margaritifer Terra Region of Mars
USGS SIM 3292: Geologic Map of Mars
USGS SIM 3292: Geologic Map of Mars
USGS SIM 3292: Geologic Map of Mars
Geologic map of Mars
This global geologic map of Mars, which records the distribution of geologic units and landforms on the planet's surface through time, is based on unprecedented variety, quality, and quantity of remotely sensed data acquired since the Viking Orbiters. These data have provided morphologic, topographic, spectral, thermophysical, radar sounding, and other observations for integration, analysis, and i
Geologic map of the north polar region of Mars
The north polar region of Mars occurs within the central and lowest part of the vast northern plains of Mars and is dominated by the roughly circular north polar plateau, Planum Boreum. The northern plains formed very early in Martian time and have collected volcanic flows and sedimentary materials shed from highland sources. Planum Boreum has resulted from the accumulation of water ice and dust p
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
The Planetary Geologic Mapping Protocol covers the idealized process of compiling a NASA-funded map product of a non-terrestrial solid surface planetary body for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publication and summarizes technical specifications of the Mapping Process for authors and reviewers. Directed by community and programmatic recommendations, the USGS Planetary Geologic Map Coordination Group
Exposure of an early to middle Noachian valley network in three dimensions on Mars
We document a set of channels in a section of the Martian cratered highlands located between crustal massifs northeast of Hellas Planitia that are visible in cross section and planview >200 m below the surface. The morphometry and spatial distribution of the outcrops provide concrete geological evidence of a dynamic aqueous system in a structural sub-basin during the Early to Middle Noachian, bols
The digital global geologic map of Mars: Chronostratigraphic ages, topographic and crater morphologic characteristics, and updated resurfacing history
A new global geologic map of Mars has been completed in a digital, geographic information system (GIS) format using geospatially controlled altimetry and image data sets. The map reconstructs the geologic history of Mars, which includes many new findings collated in the quarter century since the previous, Viking-based global maps were published, as well as other discoveries that were made during t
Crater-based dating of geological units on Mars: methods and application for the new global geological map
The new, post-Viking generation of Mars orbital imaging and topographical data provide significant higher-resolution details of surface morphologies, which induced a new effort to photo-geologically map the surface of Mars at 1:20,000,000 scale. Although from unit superposition relations a relative stratigraphical framework can be compiled, it was the ambition of this mapping project to provide ab
The role of photogeologic mapping in traverse planning: Lessons from DRATS 2010 activities
We produced a 1:24,000 scale photogeologic map of the Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) 2010 simulated lunar mission traverse area and surrounding environments located within the northeastern part of the San Francisco Volcanic Field (SFVF), north-central Arizona. To mimic an exploratory mission, we approached the region “blindly” by rejecting prior knowledge or preconceived notions of
History of plains resurfacing in the Scandia region of Mars
We present a preliminary photogeologic map of the Scandia region of Mars with the objective of reconstructing its resurfacing history. The Scandia region includes the lower section of the regional lowland slope of Vastitas Borealis extending about 500–1800 km away from Alba Mons into the Scandia sub-basin below −4800 m elevation. Twenty mapped geologic units express the diverse stratigraphy of the
North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification
We have remapped the geology of the north polar plateau on Mars, Planum Boreum, and the surrounding plains of Vastitas Borealis using altimetry and image data along with thematic maps resulting from observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. New and revised geographic and geologic terminologies assist with effectively disc
Evaluating the meaning of “layer” in the Martian north polar layered deposits and the impact on the climate connection
Using data from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, we reassess the methods by which layers within the north polar layered deposits (NPLD) can be delineated and their thicknesses measured. Apparent brightness and morphology alone are insufficient for this task; high resolution topographic data are necessary. From these analyses, we find t
Science and Products
- Data
Geographic Boundaries Of Planetary Geologic Maps
A polygon layer of regions of multiple planetary bodies beyond Earth that are covered by proposed or published planetary geologic maps published by the USGS.Appendices for Planetary Geologic Mapping: Program Status and Future Needs
Appendices include the original survey, response data, and collated results related to the Open File Report. Geoscience maps, regardless of target body, are spatial and temporal representations of materials and processes recorded on planetary surfaces (Varnes, 1973; Spencer, 2000). The information and context provided by these maps promote basic and applied research within and across various geosc - Maps
Unified Geologic Map of the MoonUnified Geologic Map of the MoonUSGS SIM 3177: Geologic Map of the North Polar Region of MarsUSGS SIM 3177: Geologic Map of the North Polar Region of MarsUSGS SIM 3041: Geologic Map of MTM -20012 and -25012 Quadrangles, Margaritifer Terra Region of MarsUSGS SIM 3041: Geologic Map of MTM -20012 and -25012 Quadrangles, Margaritifer Terra Region of MarsUSGS SIM 3292: Geologic Map of MarsUSGS SIM 3292: Geologic Map of Mars
Geologic map of Mars
This global geologic map of Mars, which records the distribution of geologic units and landforms on the planet's surface through time, is based on unprecedented variety, quality, and quantity of remotely sensed data acquired since the Viking Orbiters. These data have provided morphologic, topographic, spectral, thermophysical, radar sounding, and other observations for integration, analysis, and iGeologic map of the north polar region of Mars
The north polar region of Mars occurs within the central and lowest part of the vast northern plains of Mars and is dominated by the roughly circular north polar plateau, Planum Boreum. The northern plains formed very early in Martian time and have collected volcanic flows and sedimentary materials shed from highland sources. Planum Boreum has resulted from the accumulation of water ice and dust p - Publications
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
The Planetary Geologic Mapping Protocol covers the idealized process of compiling a NASA-funded map product of a non-terrestrial solid surface planetary body for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publication and summarizes technical specifications of the Mapping Process for authors and reviewers. Directed by community and programmatic recommendations, the USGS Planetary Geologic Map Coordination GroupExposure of an early to middle Noachian valley network in three dimensions on Mars
We document a set of channels in a section of the Martian cratered highlands located between crustal massifs northeast of Hellas Planitia that are visible in cross section and planview >200 m below the surface. The morphometry and spatial distribution of the outcrops provide concrete geological evidence of a dynamic aqueous system in a structural sub-basin during the Early to Middle Noachian, bolsThe digital global geologic map of Mars: Chronostratigraphic ages, topographic and crater morphologic characteristics, and updated resurfacing history
A new global geologic map of Mars has been completed in a digital, geographic information system (GIS) format using geospatially controlled altimetry and image data sets. The map reconstructs the geologic history of Mars, which includes many new findings collated in the quarter century since the previous, Viking-based global maps were published, as well as other discoveries that were made during tCrater-based dating of geological units on Mars: methods and application for the new global geological map
The new, post-Viking generation of Mars orbital imaging and topographical data provide significant higher-resolution details of surface morphologies, which induced a new effort to photo-geologically map the surface of Mars at 1:20,000,000 scale. Although from unit superposition relations a relative stratigraphical framework can be compiled, it was the ambition of this mapping project to provide abThe role of photogeologic mapping in traverse planning: Lessons from DRATS 2010 activities
We produced a 1:24,000 scale photogeologic map of the Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) 2010 simulated lunar mission traverse area and surrounding environments located within the northeastern part of the San Francisco Volcanic Field (SFVF), north-central Arizona. To mimic an exploratory mission, we approached the region “blindly” by rejecting prior knowledge or preconceived notions ofHistory of plains resurfacing in the Scandia region of Mars
We present a preliminary photogeologic map of the Scandia region of Mars with the objective of reconstructing its resurfacing history. The Scandia region includes the lower section of the regional lowland slope of Vastitas Borealis extending about 500–1800 km away from Alba Mons into the Scandia sub-basin below −4800 m elevation. Twenty mapped geologic units express the diverse stratigraphy of theNorth polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification
We have remapped the geology of the north polar plateau on Mars, Planum Boreum, and the surrounding plains of Vastitas Borealis using altimetry and image data along with thematic maps resulting from observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. New and revised geographic and geologic terminologies assist with effectively discEvaluating the meaning of “layer” in the Martian north polar layered deposits and the impact on the climate connection
Using data from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, we reassess the methods by which layers within the north polar layered deposits (NPLD) can be delineated and their thicknesses measured. Apparent brightness and morphology alone are insufficient for this task; high resolution topographic data are necessary. From these analyses, we find t