T258 Planetary Exploration and Education: How We Learn about Our Solar System and Beyond

Wednesday, 12 October 2022
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
501

PLANETARY GEOLOGIC MAPPING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING IN NORTHERN ARIZONA

Paper number: T258-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:50 PM – 2:05 PM

Authors

Abstract

Planetary geologic mapping has undergone a renaissance over the last two decades due to the diversity and volume of planetary data from landed and orbital mission in the Solar System. Leveraging expertise in field- and remote-based geologic mapping across multiple institutions, we developed two instructor-led initiatives in planetary geologic mapping. The first emphasizes the utility of maps in modern research in a new month-long module on planetary geologic mapping in a Northern Arizona University planetary geomorphology course. The module included lectures on the history of planetary geologic mapping, differentiating observations from interpretations, identifying temporal sequences (including application and adaptation of Steno’s Laws), and strategies for preparing Correlation of Map Units and Description of Map Units. Students applied lecture content by mapping contiguous 1:500,000 regions of Kasei Valles, Mars using pencil-and-paper approaches and preparing an abbreviated geologic history. Observation and student feedback indicates the module helped establish the planetary mapping fundamentals. For the second initiative, we provided a week-long Planetary Geologic Mapping Workshop for 12 students from institutions across the US. The workshop focused on remote- and field-based mapped of vents and flows in the San Francisco Volcanic Field, north-central Arizona. Workshop activities included: pre-workshop exercises (e.g., familiarization with map elements and with Esri’s ArcGIS Pro software), lectures on planetary geologic mapping (e.g., mapping principles, cross-cutting relationships, description of map units); half- and full-day field excursions (for familiarization with the geology and assessment of maps), instruction in ArcPro (e.g., introductory information, Toolbox usage, map layout), and a poster presentation. Observations and feedback from this group with diverse backgrounds in geologic mapping indicated satisfaction with the multifaceted and scaffolded workshop elements, along with a sense of support and collaboration. Potential adjustments for future years include additional pre-workshop familiarization with ArcGIS Pro and/or more time to revise individual ArcGIS Pro maps before the map showcase.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 54, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2022AM-383189

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