A REMOTE SENSING PERSPECTIVE OF JÖKULHLAUP-TYPE OUTFLOW CHANNELS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN EARTH AND MARS

Many similarities exist between Jökulhlaup-type outflow channels on Earth and Mars. Enormous catastrophic outflow channels such as the channeled scablands in southeastern Washington are smaller in size but have similar characteristics to those in Kasei Vallis on Mars. Using similar remote sensing instrumentation, sensors, and data, the geology, hydrology, and geomorphology of these outflow channels can be described. This study uses advanced techniques in remote sensing in the areas of spectral mineral analysis, geomorphic interpretation, and three dimensional modeling. This study characterizes outflow channels on Earth and Mars in order to extract data for input into hydrologic peak discharge models that enable quantitative analysis of the hydrologic flow needed for channel formation.