SUPER-RESOLUTION OF PLAYA LAKE DEPOSITS OVER TIME

Super-resolution of image data is the process of obtaining a spatial resolution greater than that of the original data source. This can be done through the fusion of original data with an additional source that has the desired resolution. There are a variety of techniques; however, a tradeoff has been noted between techniques that are the most visually appealing and those that are most radiometrically accurate. The technique for super-resolution presented here is a modification of an algorithm that was tested successfully using multi-resolution data from the Earth orbiting Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument. ASTER data is organized into three different wavelength regions, each with a different spatial resolution: the Visible / Near Infrared (VNIR) region (3 bands at 15 m / pixel); the Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) region (6 bands at 30 m /pixel); the Thermal Infrared (TIR) region (5 bands at 90 m / pixel). The TIR region is of particular interest to geologists due to the presence of spectral features associated with many earth-forming minerals, particularly the silicates. It is also possible to linearly deconvolve mixed TIR spectra into their end-member abundances, making this a good region for the examination of sub-pixel phenomena. The current study investigates the applicability of this work to surface changes on dry playa lake deposits. Lunar Lake Playa, in Nye County, Nevada is a frequent calibration target for airborne and satellite systems. By super-resolving and then linear unmixing TIR spectra, a finer scale map of changes over time can be created. This has implications for planetary geology, as these deposits are analogous to similar surfaces on Mars.