Sarah R. Black, PhD
Sarah R. Black is a planetary scientist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center. Sarah earned a bachelor's degree in Geology from the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo in 2004, a master's degree in Geology from SUNY Buffalo in 2006, and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2018. She is now a member of the ASC Planetary Geologic Mapping group.
Prior to joining the USGS in 2020, I was an Associate Research Scientist with the Planetary Science Institute (2020), and a Solutions Engineer at Esri and Harris Geospatial Solutions (2018 - 2020). I also spent five years as a Geoscience Department faculty member at Skidmore College (2008 – 2013), before earning my Ph.D. at CU Boulder. Through these experiences, I have developed a passion for education, outreach, and GIS in the planetary science community.
Professional Experience
2020 - present: Research Physical Scientist, USGS Astrogeology Science Center
2020: Associate Research Scientist, Planetary Science Institute
2019 - 2020: Solutions Engineer, Esri
2018 - 2019: Solutions Engineer, Harris Geospatial Solutions
2008 - 2013: Geoscience Department faculty member, Skidmore College
2006 - 2007: Assistant Staff Scientist, Malin Space Science Systems
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2018, University of Colorado Boulder; Geological Sciences; Dissertation: Identification and Characterization of Martian Acid-Sulfate Hydrothermal Alteration
M.S. 2006, SUNY Buffalo; Geology; Thesis: Origin and Evolution of Islands in Ionian Paterae
B.A. 2004, SUNY Buffalo; Geology; Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Honors and Awards
May 2021: USGS STAR Award - Ongoing efforts to support the USGS Astrogeology Science Center
January 2021: USGS STAR Award - Production of interactive map of Jezero crater and Nili Planum, Mars
2020 Tanaka-Greeley Fellowship, USGS Astrogeology Science Center
2016 Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration
2016 Geological Society of America Graduate Research Grant
2015 University of Colorado Boulder Geology Department Graduate Research Shell Grant
Abstracts and Presentations
Gabriel, T. S., and Black, S. (2023), GIS tools and machine learning methods to improve interpretation and operational responsiveness of active neutron data from Mars, in Planetary Data Workshop Abstracts, Abstract # 7092.
Black, S. R., Buban, H. C., Wilber, C. H., and Bogle, S. R. (2023), Cultivating Digital Mapping Resources for the Planetary Science Community: Updates for 2023, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, Abstract # 1675.
Black, S. R., Hunter, M. A., Buban, H. C., and Skinner, J. A. (2022), Improving Accessibility and Digital Mapping Resources for the Planetary Science Community: Updates for 2022, in Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting Abstracts, Abstract # 7023.
Black, S. R., Buban, H. C., and Skinner, J. A. (2022), Recommended Standards for the Correlation of Map Units Map Component: 2022 Updates, in Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting Abstracts, Abstract # 7026.
Burr, D. M., Skinner, J. A., Buban, H. C., Black, S. R., and Maue, A. D. (2022), Curriculum Development for Teaching Planetary Geologic Mapping: An Example from Northern Arizona University, in Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting Abstracts, Abstract # 7027.
Black, S. R., Skinner, J. A., and Buban, H. C. (2022), Addressing a Community Need: Recommended Standards for the Correlation of Map Units Map Component, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, Abstract #1416.
Gullikson A. L., Gaither T. A., Skinner J. A., Black S. R., and Buban H. C. (2022), USGS Astrogeology Terrestrial Analog Sample Collection: 2022 Update, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, Abstract #1599.
Black, S. R., and Skinner, J. A. (2021), Improving the Accessibility and Functionality of Planetary Maps Through Web-Based Resources, in Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting Abstracts, Abstract # 7037.
Burr, D. M., Wolak Luna, J., Learner Ponterio, Z. A., Skinner, J. A., and Black, S. R. (2021), Status Update on the Inaugural NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping Workshop: Selected for June 2022, in Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting Abstracts, Abstract # 7038.
Fortezzo, C. M., Edgar, L. A., and Black, S. R. (2021), Geologic Map of Southwestern Melas Chasma, Mars, 1:150,000-Scale, in Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting Abstracts, Abstract # 7050.
Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., McCollom, T. M., and Larsen, J. F. (2018), Hydrothermal acid-sulfate alteration of a synthetic Mars composition basalt: Implications for hydrothermal deposits on Mars, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 49.
Black, S. R. and others (2018), Bulk mineralogy of surficial hydrothermal acid-sulfate deposits at Námafjall, Þeistareykir Geothermal Field, and Hengill Volcano, Iceland: Implications for the identification and interpretation of hydrothermal deposits on Mars, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 49.
Yingst, R. A., and others (2018), Is a linear or a walkabout protocol more efficient for robotic sample selection in a small region of interest?, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 49.
El-Maarry, M. R., Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., and Yingst, R. A., (2018), Testing operational strategies for the Mars 2020 helicopter using a UAV, in European Planetary Science Congress Abstracts, 12.
Chojnacki, M., Hynek, B. M., Black, S. R., Thomas, R., Hoover, R., Martin, J. R. (2017), Year 3 Geologic Mapping of Eastern Coprates Chasma (MTM -15057), Mars, in 3rd Planetary Data Workshop and Annual Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting, Abstract #7104.
Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., McHenry, L. J., McCollom, T., Cameron, B., Ludyan, J. (2017), Alteration Mineralogy and the Effect of Parent Lithology at Hydrothermal Mars Analog Sites: Initial Results from Hengill and Krafla Volcanoes, Iceland, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 48.
El-Maarry, M. R., Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., McHenry, L. J. (2017), Mineralogy of Fumarolic Deposits from Iceland as Analogs for Ancient Hydrothermal Systems on Mars: Role of Temperature, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 48.
Yingst, R. A., Bartley, J., Chidsey, T., Cohen, B. A., Gilleaudeau, G., Hynek, B. M., Kah, L. C., Minitti, M. E., Williams, R. M. E., Black, S., Gemperline, J., Helsius, R., Schaufler, R. (2017), Determining Efficient Rover Science Protocols for Robotic Sample Selection, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 48.
Chojnacki, M., Hynek, B. M., Black, S. R., Hoover, R., Martin, J. R. (2016), Geologic Mapping of the Coprates Chasma (MTM -15057), Mars: Year 2, in Annual Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting, Abstract #7042.
Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., Hoover, R., Beckerman, L. G., Alvarado, G. E. (2016), Characterization of Hydrothermal Alteration in Costa Rica: Mineralogy, Methodology, and Implications for Mars, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 47, 2546-2547.
Chojnacki, M., Hynek, B. M., Black, S. R., Hoover, R., Martin, J. R. (2016), Geologic Mapping of the Coprates Chasma (MTM -15057), Mars: Year 2, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 47, 2828-2829.
Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., Kierein-Young, K. S., Avard, G., and Alvarado, G. E. (2015), Hydrothermal Alteration Mineralogy Characterized Through Multiple Analytical Methods: Implications for Mars, American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts, # 82595.
Hynek, B. M., Chojnacki, M., Black, S. R., and Martin, J. R. (2015), Geologic Mapping of the Coprates Chasma (MTM -15057), Mars: Year 1. Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers, Honolulu, HI, June 22-24, 2015.
Black, S. R., Hynek, B. M., and Alvarado, G. E. (2015), Spectral Identification of Acid Sulfate Alteration Products in Costa Rica Volcanoes: Implications for Early Mars, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 46, 2260-2261.
Gregg, T. K., Lopes, R. M., Black, S. M. (sic.), and Lougen, J. (2006), Ionian Paterae: New Insights from Observations, Numerical Modeling, and Laboratory Simulations, in AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, vol. 1, p. 105, P23E-1015.
Black, S. R., and Gregg, T. K. P. (2006), The Origin and Evolution of Islands in Ionian Paterae, in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Abstracts, 37, 2180-2181.
Science and Products
User’s Guide to planetary image analysis and geologic mapping in ArcGIS Pro
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.
USGS-NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
MRCTR GIS Lab
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Geographic Boundaries Of Planetary Geologic Maps
Demo: Creating Topographic Profiles in ArcGIS Pro
Demo: Creating Custom Projections in ArcGIS Pro
Science and Products
- Publications
User’s Guide to planetary image analysis and geologic mapping in ArcGIS Pro
Geologic maps are valuable tools in planetary science. Though planetary geologic maps are similar to terrestrial (Earthbased) geologic maps, the nature of planetary exploration introduces unique challenges for geologic mappers. Terrestrial geologic mappers prepare products from field-based observation, often comparing or refining those with aerial and (or) orbital images. Planetary geologic mappinAuthorsSarah R. BlackPlanetary 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 GroupAuthorsJames A. Skinner, Alexandra E. Huff, Sarah R. Black, Holly C. Buban, Corey M. Fortezzo, Tenielle A. Gaither, Trent M. Hare, Marc A. HunterNon-USGS Publications**
Yingst, R. A., Bartley, J. K., Chidsey, T. J., Cohen, B. A., Curran, N., Hynek, B. M., Kah, L. C., Minitti, M. E., Vanden Berg, M. D., Williams, R. M. E., Gemperline, J., Lotto, M., Black, S. R., Bartley, B. C., and Pearson, T. (2022), Testing Rover Science Protocols to Identify Possible Biosignatures on Mars: Achieving Sampling Goals Under a Highly Constrained Time Line, Astrobiology, 22(11), https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2021.0177.Yingst, R. A., Bartley, J., Chidsey, T., Cohen, B. A., Hynek, B. M., Kah, L. C., Minitti, M.E., Vanden Berg, M., Williams, R. M. E., Adams, M., Black, S. R., El-Maary, M. R., Gemperline, J., Kronyak, R., and Lotto, M., (2020), Is a linear or a walkabout first protocol more efficient for robotic sample selection in a small region of interest?, Astrobiology, 20(3), https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2019.2090.Wolfe, J. D., and Black, S. R. (2018), Hyperspectral Analytics in ENVI: Target Detection and Spectral Mapping Methods, L3Harris Geospatial Solutions white paper, https://www.l3harrisgeospatial.com/Learn/Whitepapers/Hyperspectral-WhitepaperBlack, S. R. and Hynek, B. M. (2018), Characterization of Terrestrial Hydrothermal Alteration products with Mars Analog Instrumentation: Implications for Current and Future Rover Investigations, Icarus, 307, 235-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2017.10.032.Yingst, R. A., Bartley, J. Chidsey, T., Cohen, B. A., Gilleaudeau, G. J., Hynek, B. M., Kah, L. C., Minitti, M. E., Williams, R. M. E., Black, S. R., Gemperline, J., Thomas, R., and Schaufler, R. (2017), Testing the efficiency of rover science protocols for robotic sample selection: A GeoHeuristic Operational Strategies Test, Acta Astronautica, 146, 300-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.02.029.Black, S. R., Yingst, R. A., and Hynek, B. M. (2016), Field-Portable VNIR Spectrometry: Applications for Mars Rover Operational Strategies Testing at Terrestrial Analog Sites, Spectroscopy, September 1, 2016.Black, S. R. (2018), Identification and Characterization of Martian Acid-Sulfate Hydrothermal Alteration: An Investigation of Instrumentation Techniques and Geochemical Processes Through Laboratory Experiments and Terrestrial Analog Studies. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Colorado Boulder Department of Geological Sciences.Black, S. R. (2006), The Origin and Evolution of Islands in Ionian Paterae. Masters Thesis. The State University of New York at Buffalo Department of Geology**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
USGS-NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping ProgramUSGS-NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping ProgramMRCTR GIS LabMRCTR GIS LabTerrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
- 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. - Multimedia
Demo: Creating Topographic Profiles in ArcGIS ProDemo: Creating Topographic Profiles in ArcGIS ProDemo: Creating Custom Projections in ArcGIS ProDemo: Creating Custom Projections in ArcGIS Pro
- News