Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Smrekar, S. E..
Magnetic and gravity data for Mars have been compared to images of the martian surface, with the aim of determining the sources of the observed pattern of magnetic anomalies. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
In the 50-90E section of the dichotomy, the gravity and magnetic fields correlate with a buried fault. These data will be used to infer fault slip and thickness of the magnetic layer. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Statistical analysis of an expanded database of coronae on Venus indicates that the populations of Type 1 (with fracture annuli) and 2 (without fracture annuli) corona diameters are statistically indistinguishable, and therefore we have no basis for assuming different formation mechanisms. Analysis of the topography and diameters of coronae shows that coronae that are depressions, rimmed depressions, and domes tend to be significantly smaller than those that are plateaus, rimmed plateaus, or domes with surrounding rims. This is consistent with the model of Smrekar and Stofan and inconsistent with predictions of the spreading drop model of Koch and Munga. The diameter range for domes, the initial stage of corona formation, provides a broad constraint on the buoyancy of corona-forming plumes. Coronae are only slightly more likely to be topographically raised than depressions, with Type 1 coronae most frequently occurring as rimmed depressions and Type 2 coronae most frequently occurring with flat interiors and raised rims. Most Type 1 coronae are located along chasmata systems or fracture belts, while Type 2 coronae are found predominantly as isolated features in the plains. Coronae at hot spot rises tend to be significantly lager than coronae in other settings, consistent with a hotter upper mantle at hot spot rises and their active state.
This paper discusses the multi-scale segmentation of Venus SAR images using a modified watershed.
We develop a detection and recognition model to fully automatize the identification of polygonal faults present in many of the Magellan SAR images. Our segmentation model is based on a modified watershed algorithm. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Large regions of intense crustal re- manent magnetization were fortuitously discovered on Mars by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft. Gravity and topography admittance studies are used to examine lithospheric structure in the areas of intense magnetization. Areas with positively magnetized crust appear to have thinner crust and elastic lithosphere than negatively magnetized crust. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Magnetic models, guided by results of gravity-topography admittance studies, suggest that the anomaly pattern in the central southern highlands of Mars results from large blocks of coherently magnetized crust separated by 'non-magnetic' areas. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
We present an updated database of coronae on Venus, increasing the number of features from 336 to 523. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Gravity/topography admittance spectra for 34 topographic (stealth) coronae show a range of bottom and top loading signatures. Here we interpret these loading signatures in the context of possible models of their formation. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
We present estimates for elastic and crustal thickness obtained from a gravity survey of Venusian topographic coronae, and characterize advantages and disadvantages for generating spectral admittance. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Initial elastic and crustal thickness estimates (Te and Zc) for a global set of local admittance inversions with a one degree spacing for Venus provide a global map for interpreting subsurface structure. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
There has been considerable debate regarding the role of inflation in terrestrial and planetary lava flow emplacement. We used a tumuli growth model to estimate the pressure within Hawaiian lava flows to better understand inflation processes. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Magnetometer observations from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft (MAG/ER on MGS) have confirmed that Mars does not presently have an internally-generated dipole magnetic field, and have also revealed intense remanent magnetism in the Martian crust. The remanent magnetic anomalies, most prevalent in the southern highlands region, are a record of the past history of the internal Mars dipole field. The MAG/ER data constitute a valuable data set for constraining the early thermal evolution of Mars and the history of the planetary magnetic field. However, the data lack the resolution needed to draw definite conclusions regarding the time history of the field. High-resolution magnetometer observations, obtained at low-altitude, are needed to complement and extend the MGS/ER data set and allow a definitive time history of the internal Mars dynamo to be constructed.
The sources of intense magnetic anomalies on Mars are investigated with models including constraints from geology, gravity and topography. Implications of the derived sources for the early evolution of Mars are examined.