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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Modification of fresh crater landforms - Evidence from the moon and Mercury

The morphology of fresh lunar and Mercurian craters provides insight into processes of crater formation and modification. Measurements determined for Mercurian craters and compared to previously presented lunar data are depth/diameter, central peak and wall-related mass movement frequencies as functions of diameter, crater rim wall width/rim diameter, rim diameter/floor diameter, and central peak height/rim diameter. Two important results are as follows: (1) there is no evidence for direct gravity scaling of crater morphology, although some slight scaling relationship may be indicated, and (2) mass movements are responsible for the change in depth/diameter relationship observed near 2-km depth and 10-km diameter. The latter result is helpful in explaining gravitational and topographic data which suggest low-density regions beneath large fresh craters.

Malin, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Landform Degradation and Slope Processes on Io: The Galileo View

The Galileo mission has revealed remarkable evidence of mass movement and landform degradation on Io. We recognize four major slope types observed on a number of intermediate resolution (250 m/pixel) images and several additional textures on very high resolution (10 m/pixel) images. Slopes and scarps on Io often show evidence of erosion, seen in the simplest form as alcove-carving slumps and slides at all scales. Many of the mass movement deposits on Io are probably mostly the consequence of block release and brittle slope failure. Sputtering plays no significant role. Sapping as envisioned by McCauley et al. remains viable. We speculate that alcove-lined canyons seen in one observation and lobed deposits seen along the bases of scarps in several locations may reflect the plastic deformation and 'glacial' flow of interstitial volatiles (e.g., SO2) heated by locally high geothermal energy to mobilize the volatile. The appearance of some slopes and near-slope surface textures seen in very high resolution images is consistent with erosion from sublimation-degradation. However, a suitable volatile (e.g., H2S) that can sublimate fast enough to alter Io's youthful surface has not been identified. Disaggregation from chemical decomposition of solid S2O and other polysulfur oxides may conceivably operate on Io. This mechanism could degrade landforms in a manner that resembles degradation from sublimation, and at a rate that can compete with resurfacing.

Moore, Jeffrey M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Rock flows

Rock flows are defined as forms of spontaneous mass movements, commonly found in mountainous countries, which have been studied very little. The article considers formations known as rock rivers, rock flows, boulder flows, boulder stria, gravel flows, rock seas, and rubble seas. It describes their genesis as seen from their morphological characteristics and presents a classification of these forms. This classification is based on the difference in the genesis of the rubbly matter and characterizes these forms of mass movement according to their source, drainage, and deposit areas.

Matveyev, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Remote Sensing and Modeling of Landslides: Detection, Monitoring and Risk Evaluation

Landslides are one of the most pervasive hazards in the world, resulting in more fatalities and economic damage than is generally recognized_ Occurring over an extensive range of lithologies, morphologies, hydrologies, and climates, mass movements can be triggered by intense or prolonged rainfall, seismicity, freeze/thaw processes, and antbropogertic activities, among other factors. The location, size, and timing of these processes are characteristically difficult to predict and assess because of their localized spatial scales, distribution, and complex interactions between rainfall infiltration, hydromechanical properties of the soil, and the underlying surface composition. However, the increased availability, accessibility, and resolution of remote sensing data offer a new opportunity to explore issues of landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk over a variety of spatial scales. This special issue presents a series of papers that investigate the sources, behavior, and impacts of different mass movement types using a diverse set of data sources and evaluation methodologies.

Kirschbaum, Dalia↗
DOE OSTI2022

Narrow-Band Least-Squares Infrasound Array Processing

Infrasound data from arrays can be used to detect, locate, and quantify a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources from local to remote distances. However, many array processing methods use a single broad frequency range to process the data, which can lead to signals of interest being missed due to the choice of frequency limits or simultaneous clutter sources. In this work, we introduce a new open-source Python code that processes infrasound array data in multiple sequential narrow frequency bands using the least-squares approach. We test our algorithm on a few examples of natural sources (volcanic eruptions, mass movements, and bolides) for a variety of array configurations. Our method reduces the need to choose frequency limits for processing, which may result in missed signals, and it is parallelized to decrease the computational burden. Improvements of our narrow-band least-squares algorithm over broad-band least-squares processing include the ability to distinguish between multiple simultaneous sources if distinct in their frequency content (e.g., microbarom or surf vs. volcanic eruption), the ability to track changes in frequency content of a signal through time, and a decreased need to fine-tune frequency limits for processing. We incorporate a measure of planarity of the wavefield across the array (sigma tau, στ) as well as the ability to utilize the robust least trimmed squares algorithm to improve signal processing and insight into array performance. Our implementation allows for more detailed characterization of infrasound signals recorded at arrays that can improve monitoring and enhance research capabilities.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2020

Pterodactyl: Thermal Protection System for Integrated Control Design of a Mechanically Deployed Entry Vehicle

The need for precision landing of high mass payloads on Mars and the return of sensitive samples from other planetary bodies to specific locations on Earth is driving the development of an innovative NASA technology referred to as the Deployable Entry Vehicle (DEV). A DEV has the potential to deliver an equivalent science payload with a stowed diameter 3 to 4 times smaller than a traditional rigid capsule configuration. However, the DEV design does not easily lend itself to traditional methods of directional control. The NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)’s Pterodactyl project is currently investigating the effectiveness of three different Guidance and Control (G&C) systems – actuated flaps, Center of Gravity (CG) or mass movement, and Reaction Control System (RCS) – for use with a DEV using the Adaptable, Deployable, Entry, and Placement Technology (ADEPT) design. This paper details the Thermal Protection System (TPS) design and associated mass estimation efforts for each of the G&C systems. TPS is needed for the nose cap of the DEV and the flaps of the actuated flap control system. The development of a TPS selection, sizing, and mass estimation method designed to deal with the varying requirements for the G&C options throughout the trajectory is presented. The paper discusses the methods used to i) obtain heating environments throughout the trajectory with respect to the chosen control system and resulting geometry; ii) determine a suitable TPS material; iii) produce TPS thickness estimations; and, iv) determine the final TPS mass estimation based on TPS thickness, vehicle control system, vehicle structure, and vehicle payload.

Hays, Zane B.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Balance in a rotating artificial gravity environment

When subjects stand at the center of a fully enclosed room that is rotating at constant velocity, their natural postural sway generates Coriolis forces that destabilize their center of mass and head. We quantitatively assessed how exposure to constant velocity rotation at 10 rpm affected postural control. Twelve subjects stood in a heel-to-toe stance in the rotating room. Each test session involved three phases: (1) pre-rotation, (2) per-rotation, and (3) post-rotation. In each phase, subjects were tested in both eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Four measures were used to characterize center of mass movement and head movement: mean sway amplitude, total power, mean power frequency, and frequency of maximum power. Each measure was computed for anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway. Both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral head and center of mass sway during rotation had significantly greater mean sway amplitude and total power compared with pre- and post-rotation values. Mean power frequency and frequency of maximum power were little affected. Eyes open conditions were significantly more stable in all test phases than eyes-closed, but vision did not completely suppress the effects of rotation. The greatest effect of rotation was in the eyes-closed condition with mean sway amplitude and total power increasing more than twofold. Inverted pendulum sway was maintained in all phases of both test conditions. No aftereffects of rotation were present after the four 25-s exposures each subject received. We expect that with longer exposure periods and with active generation of body sway subjects would both adapt to rotation and exhibit post-rotary aftereffects.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

MAGIC Mission Science and Applications Related to Cryosphere, Solid Earth and Neutral Atmosphere

The GRACE and GFO missions have revolutionised our understanding of mass movement at and below the surface of the Earth but they, nonetheless, have restrictions related to spatial and temporal resolution and instrument sensitivity that limits our ability to resolve certain processes. In this presentation we focus on the advances and capabilities that the proposed Mass change And Geosciences International Constellation (MAGIC) mission will deliver for cryosphere and solid Earth applications and will also consider the potential it will have for studying the neutral atmosphere. The time-varying gravity missions to date have had an effective spatial resolution of ~300 km, which is larger than the scale of any glacier or ice caps and larger than most catchments on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Even over Antarctica, the limited spatial resolution is a major limitation for regions such as the Antarctic Peninsula. Tectonic process, such as Earthquakes, volcanic activity and even viscous mantle flow can take place on scales smaller than can be resolved currently. The target resolution and accuracy for MAGIC over ice is 170 km at 2.6 mm/yr EWH over the long term and 250 km at 5.5 mm EWH at monthly resolution plus lower accuracy daily to weekly capabilities. We consider here what this means for understanding and observing ice mass exchange with the oceans and improving our ability to measure the manometric contribution to sea level rise. Based on similar targets, we also explore the improvements this offers for monitoring different types of solid Earth processes including geohazards, crustal evolution and deep interior properties and dynamics. We also consider what contributions MAGIC will be able to make to observations of thermosphere neutral density and related atmospheric parameters.

Jonathan Bamber↗
NASA NTRS1985

Space Station attitude control - An overview of requirements and solutions

Attitude control and various structural aspects of NASA's permanent manned Space Station are discussed in the framework of design flexibility, obsolescence as a deterent to a long operational life, modularity, and autonomy. Among the variable factors of specific importance, consideration is given to internal factors, such as inertial variations (up to 400 percent), center of mass movements (up to 28 m), and shifts in modal characteristics, as well as to external torque shifts associated with aerodynamic moments and gravity gradients. The compatibility among multiple-user requirements is also considered. As the Station is a low-orbit spacecraft, its attitude will be greatly affected by the inhomogeneity of the atmosphere, placing a priority on the attitude control techniques. A combination of passive (spring-mass-damper suspension systems) and active (sensor/disturbance-canceling device) systems are expected to be used.

Buchanan, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Drainage Evolution in the Debris Avalanche Deposits Near Mount Saint Helens, Washington

The 18 May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens was initiated by a massive rockslide-debris avalanche which completely transformed the upper 25 km of the North Fork Toutle River valley. The debris was generated by one of the largest gravitational mass movements ever recorded on Earth. Moving at an average velocity of 35 m/s, the debris avalanche buried approximately 60 sq km of terrain to an average depth of 45 m with unconsolidated, poorly sorted volcaniclastic material, all within a period of 10 minutes. Where exposed and unaltered by subsequent lahars and pyroclastic flows, the new terrain surface was characterized predominantly by hummocks, closed depressions, and the absence of an identifiable channel network. Following emplacement of the debris avalanche, a complex interrelationship of fluvial and mass wasting processes immediately began operating to return the impacted area to an equilibrium status through the removal of material (potential energy) and re-establishment of graded conditions. In an attempt to chronicle the morphologic evolution of this unique environmental setting, a systematic series of interpretative maps of several selected areas was produced. These maps, which document the rate and character of active geomorphic processes, are discussed.

Gary L Beach↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Surface Exposure History of Asteroid Bennu Based on Cosmogenic Radionuclides in OSIRIS-Rex Samples

The surface of asteroid Bennu changes over time because of impacts, mass movement, and particle ejections [1-4]. The OSIRIS-REx samples were collected from a 20-m-diameter crater on Bennu called Hokioi. One of the driving hypotheses of the mission is that Hokioi is part of a population of small (<25 m) craters that are less than 0.1 Myr old and contain relatively unweathered material [1,4]. Our goal is to understand the recent surface exposure history of Bennu, utilizing radionuclides (10Be, 26Al, 36Cl, 41Ca) produced by both galactic and solar cosmic rays. We received ~12 mg of aggregate sample OREX-803014-0. We picked five of the larger particles with masses ranging from 0.24 to 0.68 mg. We dissolved each particle, along with 0.15 mg Be and 1.0 mg Cl carrier, in HF/HNO3 mixture, and did the same for the remaining aggregate sample of 9.8 mg. After dissolution, we took a small aliquot for chemical analysis, added 0.7 mg of Al carrier, and separated Be, Al, and Cl for analysis of cosmogenic 10Be, 26Al, and 36Cl by accelerator mass spectrometry [5]. Preliminary 26Al results show concentrations of 21–27 dpm/kg for the Bennu samples, with an average of 22.5 ± 0.6 dpm/kg for the five particles and 21.1 ± 0.7 dpm/kg for the remaining aggregate. These values are close to the expected 26Al saturation values of 25–30 dpm/kg for the top 1 m of Bennu’s regolith, suggesting a minimum exposure age of 1.5–2.0 Myr near the surface. Our initial Bennu results also resemble those found for Ryugu samples [6,7]; thus, we can hypothesize that the two asteroids have had similar surface exposure histories.

K C Welten↗
DOE OSTI2023

The age and potential causes of the giant Green Lake Landslide, Fiordland, New Zealand

Abstract Landslide deposits preserved in the geological record afford opportunities to better inform hillslope and seismic hazard and risk models, particularly in regions where observational records are short. In the Southern Alps of New Zealand, small coseismic landslides are frequent, but the geological record preserves several instances of more substantial (> 1 km 3 ) but infrequent mass failures. With an estimated volume of 27 km 3 , the giant Green Lake Landslide represents one of the largest subaerial landslides on Earth. Previous work has suggested this deep-seated mass movement was most likely triggered by high-intensity seismic shaking, but that local structural weakness and/or glacial debuttressing may help to explain the anomalously large failure volume. Resolving the potential contribution of the latter is important given predictions concerning alpine deglaciation in the coming decades to centuries. Key to resolution are secure chronologies of landslide emplacement and past glacier change. Here we present in situ cosmogenic 10 Be exposure ages from the Green Lake Landslide that suggest an emplacement age of 15.5 ± 0.7 ka. Recent work shows that glacial retreat in the region was underway by 19 ka, indicating that the Green Lake Landslide was emplaced 3–4 kyr after the onset of glacier retreat. Given the geometry of the former confining valley glacier, we expect that the deglaciation-landslide age gap is closer to the upper end of this estimate. If correct, this conclusion places greater weight on the roles of local geological structure and/or a great earthquake as factors contributing to the exceptionally large volume of this event.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1974

The application of space technology to practical problems such as those currently facing the mountain sections of the State of Colorado

Rapid growth in small Colorado mountain communities and dangers posed by development in areas that are potentially dangerous to life and property due to natural processes are studied. Special attention was given to snow avalanche, mudflow, rockfall, landslide and flood, as well as the slow continuous and frequently imperceptible form of soil creep and associated mass movement. Data are also given on the relative reliability of ERTS and Skylab imagery and conventional photography in identifying avalanche paths and run out zones.

Ives, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

An unusual landslide feature on Mars

A flow feature on a crater wall, characteristic of a landslide, has been identified in a Mariner 9 high resolution photograph. Although other evidence of mass wasting is common in Mariner 9 photography, the case presented appears unique. A tentative conclusion is that, at least in some cases, Martian soil exhibits significant internal friction in mass movements.

Veverka, J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Mars - A planet with a complex surface evolution

The surface of Mars has evolved to its present form through a complex sequence of tectonism and associated volcanism, impact processes, water erosion, mass movements, and wind action. The diversity of geological processes active in past Martian history far exceeded most predictions. By the same token, predictions of processes modifying the satellites of the outer planets may fall far short of the true range of phenomena. A summary of present though with regard to Martian surface evolution is presented to serve as a case in point of the value of imagery and topography data in making interpretations of geological histories.

Arvidson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Some Martian Volcanic Features as Viewed from the Viking Orbiters

A summary is presented of the results of some new observations on Martian volcanic features made from the Viking orbiters. Most of these observations are concerned with the Tharsis and Alba regions. The youth, size, and style of the volcanic features in these areas render them particularly susceptible to analysis. Excellent coverage was also acquired of Apollinaris Patera. It has many features of the Tharsis shields, with a cliff around its circumference and a large central caldera. Olympus Mons and its vicinity are examined, taking into account the shield of Olympus Mons, mass movement features along the basal scarp, the basal plains, the relative ages of Olympus Mons and the basal plains, and grooved terrain.

Carr, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Wind Erosion and Dune Formation on High Frozen Bluffs

Frost penetration increases upslope on barren, windswept bluffs in cold environments. Along the south shore of Lake Superior, near the brow of 100 m high bluffs it typically exceeds 5 m. Frost increases the shear strength of damp sand to a level comparable to that of concrete, making winter slopes highly stable despite undercutting by waves and ground-water sapping along the footslope. Sublimation of interparticle ice in the slope face increases with wind speed and lower vapor pressures. The cold and dry winter winds of Lake Superior ablate these slopes through loss of binding ice. Wind erosion rates, based on measurements of sand accumulation on the forest floor downwind of the brow, show most airborne sand falls out within several meters of the brow, forming a berm 1 to 3 m high after many years. The spatial pattern of sand deposition, however, varies considerably over distances of several hundred meters along the top bluffs in response to frost conditions and the build-up of gravel lag on the slope face, sand exposure from mass movements, and local aerodynamics of the crest slope. The formation of perched sand dunes in the Great Lakes region is clearly related to wind erosion of sand from high bluffs in winter. Broadly similar processes may operate on Mars.

Marsh, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Planetary Analogs in Antarctica: Mars

A study of chemical and physical weathering rates in Antarctic ice-free areas, sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Antarctic Research Program, permitted observations to be made that also have application other planetary surfaces. Four observations relevent to Mars are addressed: the effects of freezing on sand dune morphology (Mars polar dune field), chemical/physical weathering to create pits (Mars pitted rocks, Viking Lander 1 and 2 sites), armored surfaces (Mars lander sites), and mass movements (movement of Martian debris).

Malin, M. C.↗