OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD HYDROLOGY: USING MARS ORBITER LASER ALTIMETER (MOLA) DATA IN GIS CLASSES

Hydrologic modeling is a common technique taught in many upper division Earth Science classes. GIS software is now a standard tool used in this modeling. Intuitively, Mars datasets may appear to be unrelated to this field. However, there is strong evidence for the presence of surface water in Mars' past. One of the most ostensible and persuasive pieces of evidence is the channel-like features observed on the present day surface. These features suggest that water once flowed freely on the surface of Mars. Still, questions remain as to the nature of the surface flow, and the characteristics of streams and basins associated with this flow. Students can use Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data to uncover remnants of past fluvial activity on the Martian surface.

Students will use a digital elevation model (DEM) available through the NASA Planetary Data System Node (http://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/missions/mgs/mola.html) to examine three sites where water likely flowed on Mars: Kasei Valles, Lucus Planum, and Margaritifer Terra. Each of these sites represents a different hydrologic environment: a developed stream system, a shoreline, and the site of chaotic flooding, respectively. Using tools available in ArcGIS, students model stream networks, flow direction and watershed basins on Mars and examine how each different hydrologic setting yields unique results. These results will be used to produce a global scale interpretation of hydrologic processes and trends on Mars.

Students will learn how to use ArcGIS Hydrologic Modeling toolbox, how hydrologic settings can be examined using DEMs, and how hydrologic environments come together to create a large-scale (global) hydrologic system. These methods can be transferred to Earth analogs and projects. Students will also be exposed to Martian surface features, hydrologic processes and some interesting questions about the role of surface water in Mars' past.