Randolph L Kirk, Ph.D.
Randolph Kirk’s research interests span both geoscience and mapping of planetary bodies. He has participated in many missions to the Moon, Venus, Mars, asteroids, comets, and icy satellites. He helped direct planetary mapping at the USGS since the early 1990s, and has developed practical methods for topomapping by shape from shading and by adapting commercial stereo workstations to planetary use.
Recent Accomplishments
- In 2020, NASA's Mars 2020 rover Perseverance landed in Jezero crater at a site mapped by the Astrogeology Science Center. Perseverence was the ninth Mars lander or rover to go to a site we mapped, all of which landed successfully. (Starting in 1962, 10 Mars landings attempted without USGS mapping failed for a variety of reasons. Just days before Perseverence the Chinese landerTianwen-1 became the first such mission to succeed.) Perseverance also carried our maps onboard and used them to guide its final descent, a technological first.
- We are helping to design and caibrate the Europa Imaging System (EIS) cameras for NASA's Europa Clipper mission and to develop software and procedures for making controlled image and topographic maps. As part of this task, we invented and demonstrated a new technique for correcting distortions in frame images that are read out line-by-line so that they can be used for precision mapping.
- We have used stereo images of Mars obtained by different cameras with pixel scales differing up to 50x to assess the resolution and precision of digital topographic models obtained under real-world (Mars) conditions. We are currently using similar techniques with images of Earth’s Moon to quantify how topographic models can be improved by photoclinometry (shape from shading) techniques using one or multiple images.
Education
- Ph.D., Planetary Science, Minor in Physics, California Institute of Technology, January 1987
- M.S., Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology, June 1984
- B.S., Physics, Stanford University, June 1981
Space Mission Participation
- Member, Europa Imaging System Science Team, May 2015–Present
- Member, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter CaSSIS Science Team, August 2010–Present
- Member, LRO and Chandrayaan-1 Mini-RF Science Teams, July 2006–Present
- Member, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter HiRISE Science Team, December 2001–Present
- Member, Mars Exploration Rovers Science Team, August 2000–June 2018
- Associate, Deep Space 1 MICAS Science Team, March 2000–December 2002
- Participating Scientist, NEAR MSI/NIS Team, August 1999–July 2001
- Associate, Imager for Mars Pathfinder Science Team, July 1996–August 1998
- Member, Mars Express HRSC Science Team, January 2000–March 2020
- Associate, Mars 96 HRSC/WAOSS Science Team, March 1993–December 1996
- Member, Cassini RADAR Instrument Team, December 1990–September 2018
- Magellan Guest Investigator, October 1990–September 1994
- Associate, Voyager Imaging Science Team, 1989
Working Groups
- Member, IAU Working Group on Cartographic Coords & Rotational Elements, August 2012–present
- Member, NASA Lunar Geodesy/Cartography Working Group, December 2007–present
- Member, NASA Mars Geodesy/Cartography Working Group, June 1998–present
- Member, ISPRS Working Group “Planetary Mapping & Remote Sensing”, November 1996–present
- Chair, November 2000-October 2004, Co-Chair, Nove
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 166
Subsurface energy storage and transport for solar-powered geysers on Triton Subsurface energy storage and transport for solar-powered geysers on Triton
The location of active geyser-like eruptions and related features close to the current subsolar latitude on Triton suggests a solar energy source for these phenomena. Solidstate greenhouse calculations have shown that sunlight can generate substantially elevated subsurface temperatures. A variety of models for the storage of solar energy in a sub-greenhouse layer and for the supply of...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, Robert H. Brown, Laurence A. Soderblom
Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes
Four geyser-like plumes were discovered near Triton's south pole in areas now in permanent sunlight. Because Triton's southern hemisphere is nearing a maximum summer solstice, insolation as a driver or a trigger for Triton's geyser-like plumes is an attractive hypothesis. Trapping of solar radiation in a translucent, low-conductivity surface layer (in a solid-state greenhouse), which is
Authors
R. H. Brown, Randolph L. Kirk, T. V. Johnson, Laurence A. Soderblom
Triton's geyser-like plumes: Discovery and basic characterization Triton's geyser-like plumes: Discovery and basic characterization
At least four active geyser-like eruptions were discovered in Voyager 2 images of Triton, Neptune's large satellite. The two best documented eruptions occur as columns of dark material rising to an altitude of about 8 kilometers where dark clouds of material are left suspended to drift downwind over 100 kilometers. The radii of the rising columns appear to be in the range of several tens...
Authors
Laurence A. Soderblom, S. W. Kieffer, T.L. Becker, R. H. Brown, A.F. Cook, C.J. Hansen, T. V. Johnson, Randolph L. Kirk, E.M. Shoemaker
Voyager 2 at Neptune: Imaging science results Voyager 2 at Neptune: Imaging science results
Voyager 2 images of Neptune reveal a windy planet characterized by bright clouds of methane ice suspended in an exceptionally clear atmosphere above a lower deck of hydrogen sulfide or ammonia ices. Neptune's atmosphere is dominated by a large anticyclonic storm system that has been named the Great Dark Spot (GDS). About the same size as Earth in extent, the GDS bears both many...
Authors
B.A. Smith, Laurence A. Soderblom, D. Banfield, C. Barnet, A.T. Basilevsky, R.F. Beebe, K. Bollinger, J. M. Boyce, A. Brahic, G.A. Briggs, R. H. Brown, C. Chyba, S.A. Collins, T. Colvin, A.F. Cook, D. Crisp, S.K. Croft, D. Cruikshank, J.N. Cuzzi, G. E. Danielson, M. E. Davies, E. DeJong, L. Dones, D. Godfrey, J. Goguen, I. Grenier, V. Haemmerle, H. Hammel, C.J. Hansen, C.P. Helfenstein, C. Howell, G.E. Hunt, A.P. Ingersoll, T. V. Johnson, J. Kargel, Randolph L. Kirk, D.I. Kuehn, S. Limaye, H. Masursky, A. McEwen, D. Morrison, T. Owen, W. Owen, J. B. Pollack, C.C. Porco, K. Rages, P. Rogers, D. Rudy, C. Sagan, J. Schwartz, E.M. Shoemaker, M. Showalter, B. Sicardy, D. Simonelli, J. Spencer, L.A. Sromovsky, C. Stoker, R.G. Strom, V.E. Suomi, S.P. Synott, R.J. Terrile, P. Thomas, W.R. Thompson, A. Verbiscer, J. Veverka
The competition between thermal contraction and differentiation in the stress history of the Moon The competition between thermal contraction and differentiation in the stress history of the Moon
The scarcity of both extension and compression features on the Moon strongly constrains the history of the lunar radius—to variations of less than ±1 km over the past 3.8 Gyr. This limit has traditionally been interpreted as requiring a delicate balance between thermal contraction of the near‐surface and expansion of a substantial cold interior region. Recent theories of lunar origin (e...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, David J. Stevenson
I. Thermal evolution of Ganymede and implications for surface features. II. Magnetohydrodynamic constraints on deep zonal flow in the giant planets. III. A fast finite-element algorithm for two-dimensional photoclinometry I. Thermal evolution of Ganymede and implications for surface features. II. Magnetohydrodynamic constraints on deep zonal flow in the giant planets. III. A fast finite-element algorithm for two-dimensional photoclinometry
The work is divided into three independent papers: PAPER I: Thermal evolution models are presented for Ganymede, assuming a mostly differentiated initial state of a water ocean overlying a rock layer. The only heat sources are assumed to be primordial heat (provided by accretion) and the long-lived radiogenic heat sources in the rock component. As Ganymede cools, the ocean thins, and two...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk
Hydromagnetic constraints on deep zonal flows in the giant planets Hydromagnetic constraints on deep zonal flows in the giant planets
The observed zonal flows of the giant planets will, if they penetrate below the visible atmosphere, interact significantly with the planetary magnetic field outside the metallized core. The appropriate measure of this interaction is the Chandrasekhar number Q = H^2 /4πρνα^2 λ (H = radial component of the magnetic field, ν = eddy viscosity, λ = magnetic diffusivity, α^-1 = length scale on...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, David J. Stevenson
Thermal evolution of a differentiated Ganymede and implications for surface features Thermal evolution of a differentiated Ganymede and implications for surface features
Thermal evolution models are presented for Ganymede, assuming a mostly differentiated initial state of a water ocean overlying a rock layer. The only heat sources are assumed to be primordial heat (provided by accretion) and the long-lived radiogenic heat sources in the rock component. As Ganymede cools, the ocean thins, and two ice layers develop, one above composed of ice I, and the...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, David J. Stevenson
Implementation of digital subtraction angiography with a synchrotron x-ray beam Implementation of digital subtraction angiography with a synchrotron x-ray beam
The intense synchrotron radiation produced by wiggler magnets at electron storage rings provides a new source of x-rays highly suited to iodine K-edge digital subtraction angiography. The monochromaticity and tunability provide maximum sensitivity to intraarterial iodine and virtually eliminate contrast due to soft tissue and bone. Visualization of arteries, in particular the coronary...
Authors
H.D. Zeman, E.B. Hughes, L.E. Campbell, R. Hofstadter, Randolph L. Kirk, T.J. Krolicki, J. Rolfe, J.P. Stone, S. Wilson, E. Rubenstein, A.C. Thompson, J.T. Walton
Synchrotron radiation and its application to digital subtraction angiography Synchrotron radiation and its application to digital subtraction angiography
The intense synchrotron radiation produced at electron storage rings provides a new source of X-rays highly suited to iodine K-edge digital subtraction angiography. The high intensity and small angular divergence permit the radiation to be monochromatized by Bragg diffraction and made available in beams of small vertical size, of arbitrary horizontal width, and of tunable energy. The use...
Authors
E. Rubenstein, E.B. Hughes, L.E. Campbell, R. Hofstadter, Randolph L. Kirk, T.J. Krolicki, J.P. Stone, S. Wilson, H.D. Zeman, W.R. Brody
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 166
Subsurface energy storage and transport for solar-powered geysers on Triton Subsurface energy storage and transport for solar-powered geysers on Triton
The location of active geyser-like eruptions and related features close to the current subsolar latitude on Triton suggests a solar energy source for these phenomena. Solidstate greenhouse calculations have shown that sunlight can generate substantially elevated subsurface temperatures. A variety of models for the storage of solar energy in a sub-greenhouse layer and for the supply of...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, Robert H. Brown, Laurence A. Soderblom
Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes Energy sources for triton's geyser-like plumes
Four geyser-like plumes were discovered near Triton's south pole in areas now in permanent sunlight. Because Triton's southern hemisphere is nearing a maximum summer solstice, insolation as a driver or a trigger for Triton's geyser-like plumes is an attractive hypothesis. Trapping of solar radiation in a translucent, low-conductivity surface layer (in a solid-state greenhouse), which is
Authors
R. H. Brown, Randolph L. Kirk, T. V. Johnson, Laurence A. Soderblom
Triton's geyser-like plumes: Discovery and basic characterization Triton's geyser-like plumes: Discovery and basic characterization
At least four active geyser-like eruptions were discovered in Voyager 2 images of Triton, Neptune's large satellite. The two best documented eruptions occur as columns of dark material rising to an altitude of about 8 kilometers where dark clouds of material are left suspended to drift downwind over 100 kilometers. The radii of the rising columns appear to be in the range of several tens...
Authors
Laurence A. Soderblom, S. W. Kieffer, T.L. Becker, R. H. Brown, A.F. Cook, C.J. Hansen, T. V. Johnson, Randolph L. Kirk, E.M. Shoemaker
Voyager 2 at Neptune: Imaging science results Voyager 2 at Neptune: Imaging science results
Voyager 2 images of Neptune reveal a windy planet characterized by bright clouds of methane ice suspended in an exceptionally clear atmosphere above a lower deck of hydrogen sulfide or ammonia ices. Neptune's atmosphere is dominated by a large anticyclonic storm system that has been named the Great Dark Spot (GDS). About the same size as Earth in extent, the GDS bears both many...
Authors
B.A. Smith, Laurence A. Soderblom, D. Banfield, C. Barnet, A.T. Basilevsky, R.F. Beebe, K. Bollinger, J. M. Boyce, A. Brahic, G.A. Briggs, R. H. Brown, C. Chyba, S.A. Collins, T. Colvin, A.F. Cook, D. Crisp, S.K. Croft, D. Cruikshank, J.N. Cuzzi, G. E. Danielson, M. E. Davies, E. DeJong, L. Dones, D. Godfrey, J. Goguen, I. Grenier, V. Haemmerle, H. Hammel, C.J. Hansen, C.P. Helfenstein, C. Howell, G.E. Hunt, A.P. Ingersoll, T. V. Johnson, J. Kargel, Randolph L. Kirk, D.I. Kuehn, S. Limaye, H. Masursky, A. McEwen, D. Morrison, T. Owen, W. Owen, J. B. Pollack, C.C. Porco, K. Rages, P. Rogers, D. Rudy, C. Sagan, J. Schwartz, E.M. Shoemaker, M. Showalter, B. Sicardy, D. Simonelli, J. Spencer, L.A. Sromovsky, C. Stoker, R.G. Strom, V.E. Suomi, S.P. Synott, R.J. Terrile, P. Thomas, W.R. Thompson, A. Verbiscer, J. Veverka
The competition between thermal contraction and differentiation in the stress history of the Moon The competition between thermal contraction and differentiation in the stress history of the Moon
The scarcity of both extension and compression features on the Moon strongly constrains the history of the lunar radius—to variations of less than ±1 km over the past 3.8 Gyr. This limit has traditionally been interpreted as requiring a delicate balance between thermal contraction of the near‐surface and expansion of a substantial cold interior region. Recent theories of lunar origin (e...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, David J. Stevenson
I. Thermal evolution of Ganymede and implications for surface features. II. Magnetohydrodynamic constraints on deep zonal flow in the giant planets. III. A fast finite-element algorithm for two-dimensional photoclinometry I. Thermal evolution of Ganymede and implications for surface features. II. Magnetohydrodynamic constraints on deep zonal flow in the giant planets. III. A fast finite-element algorithm for two-dimensional photoclinometry
The work is divided into three independent papers: PAPER I: Thermal evolution models are presented for Ganymede, assuming a mostly differentiated initial state of a water ocean overlying a rock layer. The only heat sources are assumed to be primordial heat (provided by accretion) and the long-lived radiogenic heat sources in the rock component. As Ganymede cools, the ocean thins, and two...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk
Hydromagnetic constraints on deep zonal flows in the giant planets Hydromagnetic constraints on deep zonal flows in the giant planets
The observed zonal flows of the giant planets will, if they penetrate below the visible atmosphere, interact significantly with the planetary magnetic field outside the metallized core. The appropriate measure of this interaction is the Chandrasekhar number Q = H^2 /4πρνα^2 λ (H = radial component of the magnetic field, ν = eddy viscosity, λ = magnetic diffusivity, α^-1 = length scale on...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, David J. Stevenson
Thermal evolution of a differentiated Ganymede and implications for surface features Thermal evolution of a differentiated Ganymede and implications for surface features
Thermal evolution models are presented for Ganymede, assuming a mostly differentiated initial state of a water ocean overlying a rock layer. The only heat sources are assumed to be primordial heat (provided by accretion) and the long-lived radiogenic heat sources in the rock component. As Ganymede cools, the ocean thins, and two ice layers develop, one above composed of ice I, and the...
Authors
Randolph L. Kirk, David J. Stevenson
Implementation of digital subtraction angiography with a synchrotron x-ray beam Implementation of digital subtraction angiography with a synchrotron x-ray beam
The intense synchrotron radiation produced by wiggler magnets at electron storage rings provides a new source of x-rays highly suited to iodine K-edge digital subtraction angiography. The monochromaticity and tunability provide maximum sensitivity to intraarterial iodine and virtually eliminate contrast due to soft tissue and bone. Visualization of arteries, in particular the coronary...
Authors
H.D. Zeman, E.B. Hughes, L.E. Campbell, R. Hofstadter, Randolph L. Kirk, T.J. Krolicki, J. Rolfe, J.P. Stone, S. Wilson, E. Rubenstein, A.C. Thompson, J.T. Walton
Synchrotron radiation and its application to digital subtraction angiography Synchrotron radiation and its application to digital subtraction angiography
The intense synchrotron radiation produced at electron storage rings provides a new source of X-rays highly suited to iodine K-edge digital subtraction angiography. The high intensity and small angular divergence permit the radiation to be monochromatized by Bragg diffraction and made available in beams of small vertical size, of arbitrary horizontal width, and of tunable energy. The use...
Authors
E. Rubenstein, E.B. Hughes, L.E. Campbell, R. Hofstadter, Randolph L. Kirk, T.J. Krolicki, J.P. Stone, S. Wilson, H.D. Zeman, W.R. Brody