Chapter 4: Clustering and Classification

Title: Automated recognition and characterization of patterned terrains on Earth and Mars

Author(s): Pedro Pina, Jose Saraiva, Lourenco Bandeira

Address: Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal | Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal | Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal

Reference: Atlantic Europe Conference on Remote Imaging and Spectroscopy pp. 96 - 101

Abstract/Summary: Polygonal patterns of varying dimension and origin occur not only on the surface of the Earth but also on those of other planets in the Solar System, namely on Mars. This particular case is most interesting because of the factors that can influence the location and type of patterns. Mars presents seasonal cycles, and ices (water, carbon dioxide) accumulate (by condensation from the atmosphere) and erode (by sublimation into the atmosphere) in high latitude areas in response to the climate conditions. Also, the ground in those areas must suffer the influences of the climate, and there is good reason to believe that some kind of permafrost is present. On Earth, this is one type of terrain where ground polygons form and evolve through the years. We believe that the analysis of images of terrestrial and martian patterns that share some characteristics (chiefly shape, dimension and location) can provide clues to their origin and evolution, thus helping in the understanding of the interactions between the martian soil and its atmosphere, and the cycles operating within the latter. We have been working in the development of a methodology for automated recognition and characterization of patterned terrains, through the application of a number of mathematical morphology techniques. The aim is to discriminate between different types of polygons, according to their topological features. We present some results from martian examples and also introduce plans for future developments of the methodology.

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