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Guide to Magellan image interpretationAn overview of Magellan Mission requirements, radar system characteristics, and methods of data collection is followed by a description of the image data, mosaic formats, areal coverage, resolution, and pixel DN-to-dB conversion. The availability and sources of image data are outlined. Applications of the altimeter data to estimate relief, Fresnel reflectivity, and surface slope, and the radiometer data to derive microwave emissivity are summarized and illustrated in conjunction with corresponding SAR image data. Same-side and opposite-side stereo images provide examples of parallax differences from which to measure relief with a lateral resolution many times greater than that of the altimeter. Basic radar interactions with geologic surfaces are discussed with respect to radar-imaging geometry, surface roughness, backscatter modeling, and dielectric constant. Techniques are described for interpreting the geomorphology and surface properties of surficial features, impact craters, tectonically deformed terrain, and volcanic landforms. The morphologic characteristics that distinguish impact craters from volcanic craters are defined. Criteria for discriminating extensional and compressional origins of tectonic features are discussed. Volcanic edifices, constructs, and lava channels are readily identified from their radar outlines in images. Geologic map units are identified on the basis of surface texture, image brightness, pattern, and morphology. Superposition, cross-cutting relations, and areal distribution of the units serve to elucidate the geologic history.
Document ID
19940013181
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Ford, John P.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Plaut, Jeffrey J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Weitz, Catherine M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Farr, Tom G.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Senske, David A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Stofan, Ellen R.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Michaels, Gregory
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Parker, Timothy J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Fulton, D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1993
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JPL-PUBL-93-24
NAS 1.26:194340
NASA-CR-194340
Accession Number
94N17654
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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