Research

Earth and Planetary Remote Sensing group has several sub-groups who research a variety of interesting topics such as Planetary Science, Volcanology, Geologic Remote Sensing, Terrestrial Ecology and Lake and Sea Ice.

Planetary Science

Research in the UAF Planetary Science Group has two main, though not exclusive, directions: the planet Mars and impact cratering. In impact cratering, we have active research in terrestrial impact features, impact crater populations and interpretation, and impact mechanics and crater morphology. On Mars we use a wide variety of methods, such as the use of crater populations, and data, including high-resolution imagery, to study surface properties, and processes there. This work is part of a large current effort to understand the history and evolution of Mars, the nearest and most Earth-like of the other planets.

Sea and Lake Ice

For information on Sea and lake Ice: http://www.gi.alaska.edu/snowice/sea-lake-ice/

See images of real time sea ice monitoring: http://www.gi.alaska.edu/~mahoney/IceStation/IceStation1.html

Mapping and Characterization of Recurring Spring Leads and Landfast ice in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas: http://mms.gina.alaska.edu

Geologic Remote Sensing

This involves digital image processing of remotely sensed data for geologic and geo-environmental applications. The focus is particularly on fusion of multisensor data to extract maximum information from available data.

Volcanology

Satellite images are viewed and manipulated in order for scientists to locate "hotspots", which may indicate possible volcanic activity or ash clouds on a daily basis. Over time, images can be used to note an increase in size of a lava dome or the gradual heating of a specific volcano. More information on this subject can be viewed here.

Airborne Ash Hazard Mitigation

Satellite images are viewed and manipulated on a daily basis in order for scientists to locate and track volcanic ash clouds, which may threaten the 20,000 airline passengers and millions of pounds of cargo that fly over the North Pacific region every day. In addition, airborne particle dispersion models, such as the PUFF particle-dispersion model have been developed to predict the movement and dispersion of volcanic ash clouds on the time scale of hours to days.