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Multiresolution pattern recognition of small volcanos in Magellan dataThe Magellan data is a treasure-trove for scientific analysis of venusian geology, providing far more detail than was previously available from Pioneer Venus, Venera 15/16, or ground-based radar observations. However, at this point, planetary scientists are being overwhelmed by the sheer quantities of data collected--data analysis technology has not kept pace with our ability to collect and store it. In particular, 'small-shield' volcanos (less than 20 km in diameter) are the most abundant visible geologic feature on the planet. It is estimated, based on extrapolating from previous studies and knowledge of the underlying geologic processes, that there should be on the order of 10(exp 5) to 10(exp 6) of these volcanos visible in the Magellan data. Identifying and studying these volcanos is fundamental to a proper understanding of the geologic evolution of Venus. However, locating and parameterizing them in a manual manner is very time-consuming. Hence, we have undertaken the development of techniques to partially automate this task. The goal is not the unrealistic one of total automation, but rather the development of a useful tool to aid the project scientists. The primary constraints for this particular problem are as follows: (1) the method must be reasonably robust; and (2) the method must be reasonably fast. Unlike most geological features, the small volcanos of Venus can be ascribed to a basic process that produces features with a short list of readily defined characteristics differing significantly from other surface features on Venus. For pattern recognition purposes the relevant criteria include the following: (1) a circular planimetric outline; (2) known diameter frequency distribution from preliminary studies; (3) a limited number of basic morphological shapes; and (4) the common occurrence of a single, circular summit pit at the center of the edifice.
Document ID
19930005192
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smyth, P.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Anderson, C. H.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Aubele, J. C.
(Brown Univ. Providence, RI., United States)
Crumpler, L. S.
(Brown Univ. Providence, RI., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Inst., Papers Presented to the International Colloquium on Venus
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93N14380
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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