Cave Microclimate Data Retrieval and Volumetric Mapping, 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition, Chile, EarthMars Cave Detection Project: Explorers Club Flag Report (Flag # 52) Submitted 27 October 2009 J. Judson Wynne1,2, Timothy N. Titus3, Guillermo Chong Diaz4, Christina Colpitts5, W. Lynn Hicks6, Denise Hill7, Daniel W. Ruby8, and Cristian Tambley9 1SETI Institute, Carl Sagan Center, Mountain View, CA; 2Colorado Plateau Research Station (U.S. Geological Survey affiliate), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff; 3U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ; 4Departamento de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile; 5Research Support Group, Inc., Torrington, CT; 6Glynn Immediate Care, Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick, GA; 7Mutual Aid Response Service, San Francisco, CA; 8Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, University of Nevada‐Reno, NV; 9Campo Alto, Santiago, Chile. Corresponding author: [email protected] 1.0 Introduction Caves on Earth are characterized by microclimates that often support extremophillic organisms and evidence of extinct life forms. On Mars, because caves are features that may offer protection from harsh surface conditions, these features are important in the search for life. Additionally, caves may serve as locations for the establishment of habitation pods for astronaut crews. Before Martian caves can be targeted for exploration, we must (1) develop an understanding of terrestrial cave thermal behavior and (2) determine how thermal properties influence the thermal signature associated with the entrance. Ultimately, this may enable us to differentiate caves from non‐cave anomalies, as well large from small subterranean features. This is a critical step in the targeting process. Identifying actual caves with significant volume will be the highest priority targets for NASA. Researchers are actively developing techniques to understand how to detect caves on Earth and Mars, and have identified compelling evidence for cave‐like features on Mars. Rinker (1975) and Wynne et al. (2007, 2008a, 2008b, 2009) have improved our understanding of thermal cave detection on Earth. Cushing et al. (2007, 2008) have analyzed thermal and visible imagery to examine cave‐like features on Arsia Mons, Mars. On Mars, Keszthelyi et al. (2007) identified lava tube remnants, Wyrick et al. (2004) described the occurrence of pit crater chains, their geology and genesis, Cushing et al. (2007, 2008) identified deep pit craters and isolated deep pits called “anomalous pit craters,” and Cabrol et al. (2009) identified at least 677 features likely associated with speleogenesis including possible lava tubes, deep cavities associated with pit chains morphology, cracks associated with faulting, sink holes, and volcanic vents. 2.0 Background Terrestrial Cave Detection: Rinker (1975) provided a baseline for detecting caves in the thermal infrared, and suggested caves could be detected by identifying the thermal signal associated with the mass of air at the entrance contrasted against the surrounding ground surface. While air temperatures in cave entrances are expected to be different from ambient temperatures, Wynne et al. (2008a, 2008b) suggest the basis for cave detection will be the temperature contrast between the rock walls within the cave entrance and external surface rock. Since Rinker’s (1975) seminal work, some advances have been made in terrestrial cave detection. Wynne et al. (2009) have shown it is possible to differentiate caves from cave‐like anomalies by analyzing their thermal signatures (Figure 1). While these findings are encouraging, these results are preliminary, and a larger sample size will be required to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique. 2 Importance of Martian Caves: (A) Caves may be important in the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life (Mazur 1978; Boston et al., 1992, 1999; Grin et al. 1998; Klein 1998; Boston 2000, 2003; Léveillé and Datta 2009) because caves offer protection from inhospitable surface conditions (Mazur 1978; Klein 1998; Cabrol et al. 2009). (B) A manned mission to Mars will require access to significant H2O deposits for drinking water, oxygen and hydrogen fuel. If subterranean water deposits exist, caves may provide the best access to these resources (Baker et al. 2003). (C) Future human exploration and possible establishment of a permanent settlement on Mars will require construction of living areas sheltered from harsh surface conditions. Caves with a protective rock ceiling would provide an ideal environment where these shelters may be built (Boston et al. 2003). Figure 1. Pisgah lava beds, Mojave Desert, CA. [A] Color visible image containing cave entrance (red circle) and anomaly (blue circle). [B] IR image acquired at 0510 hr overlaid on the visible image. Cave entrance appears as a warmer feature. [C] Results of Principle Components Analysis show output can be used to differentiate between the cave (red), non‐cave anomaly (blue), and high nd rd rd thermal inertia basalt (green). Scatter plot of the 2 and 3 principle components. [D] Visible image with 3 principle component output overlaid; colors match those used in C. From Wynne et al. (2009). Cave Detection on Mars: Atmospheric and surface conditions on Mars fluctuate more dramatically as compared to Earth. On Mars, large diurnal (Kieffer et al. 1976; Ye et al. 1990) and seasonal temperature variations (Larsen et al. 2002) have been documented. Additionally, Martian air has lower pressure, density, and heat capacity than Earth's atmosphere. Thus, much larger amplitudes of diurnal and seasonal temperature shifts are expected on Mars. Because these shifts would occur widely and internal cave temperature is expected to be relatively constant, Martian cave detection is 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 3 feasible using imagery at the appropriate wavelength and spatial resolution (Wynne et al. 2008a). We anticipate this will influence signal strength of Martian cave entrances resulting in a stronger thermal signal than their terrestrial counterparts. 3.0 Goals, Accomplishments and Objectives Goals: The overall goal of this project is to define mission and instrumentation requirements for detecting caves on Mars using thermal infrared imagery. Specifically, we will develop techniques to (1) understand the thermal behavior and optimal detection times of day and year for terrestrial and Martian caves. (2) This knowledge will help us to differentiate caves from non‐cave anomalies, and potentially infer cave volume from the thermal signal of the cave entrance. Figure 2: HiRISE [A,B,C] and THEMIS IR [D,E] imagery of a pair of pit craters north of Arsia Mons, Mars. Based on interpretations of features in panels B and C, both appear to have an overhanging rock rim. From Cushing et al. 2008. Accomplishments (2008 Expedition): We (1) deployed temperature and barometric pressure data loggers at eight caves, four cave‐like anomalies and on the surface adjacent to all study sites in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile; (2) developed cartographic techniques for deriving cave volume; and, (3) mapped three caves and one cave‐like anomaly using traditional cartographic (refer to Dasher 1994) and newly developed volumetric mapping techniques. Objectives (2009 Expedition): Our objectives were to: (a) retrieve data from all deployed temperature and barometric pressure data loggers; (b) relaunch and redeploy data loggers (which included battery removal and replacement, as well as relaunching and redeploying all instruments at their original sampling station); (c) conduct near real‐time analysis (i.e., each afternoon and/ or evening) to determine if data logger placement was adequate for characterizing cave thermal behavior and modeling temperature trends; and (d) draft sketch maps and derive cave volume for all caves and cave‐like anomalies. 4.0 Methods Study Area: We selected caves in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile due to the region's hyperaridity, which makes this area an ideal analog for the Mars. Recent studies suggest the climate may have been arid for 90 Ma (e.g., Hartley and Chong 2002; Hartley et al. 2005) and specific regions have been hyper‐ arid for 10‐15 Ma (Ericksen 1983; Berger and Cooke 1997; Houston and Hartley 2003). Rainfall in the Atacama’s hyper‐arid core is virtually indistinguishable from zero. However, the Atacama may have been a much wetter place ‐ much like Mars (e.g., Chong 1984, 1988; Navarro‐Gonzalez et al. 2003; Quinn et al. 2005). Vegetation cover in our study area is low to non‐existent. This was important for study area consideration because vegetation cover will confound our ability to effectively measure temperature differences between cave entrance and surface. Surface material near the cave entrances were moderate‐to‐loosely consolidated alluvium, comprised of silty loam and clays with infrequently interspersed gravel to boulder sized sandstone, shale, and volcanic clasts. Due to the loosely consolidated nature of the surface, we expect the surface 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 4 thermal inertia to be low; resulting in rapid warming during the day and rapid cooling following sunset. Microclimate Data: We collected temperature and barometric pressure using Onset Computer Corp. Hobo‐Pro v2 U23 temperature loggers and H21 Micro‐stations. We collected hourly data for approximately 10 months (August 2008 – June 2009). Temperature data is required to best model cave thermal behavior and to best understand when caves are most detectable in the thermal IR. Barometric pressure data provides us with an additional metric to better understand why caves are detectable at certain times and not others. For example, as cave air temperature and surface temperatures equilibrate due to barometric pressure shifts, air movement may influence the walls of the cave entrance and thus detectability. Data Logger Deployment: In July‐August 2008, we deployed temperature and barometric pressure sensors in eight caves and four cave‐like anomalies. Cave – We deployed two to three data loggers per entrance and at all skylights within each cave; one data logger was placed at cave midpoints (i.e, midway between entrance and terminus of cave), at each bifurcation point (i.e., where passage divides into two or more passageways), and at the terminus of the cave (e.g., the deepest part of the cave). For caves with multiple passages, a data logger was placed at the terminus of each passageway. Surface – We deployed at least two temperature and barometric pressure data loggers on the surface within 20 meters of each entrance/ skylight. For entrances/ skylights located within canyons, one data logger was placed within the canyon and a second on the canyon rim. Cave Mapping and Deriving Volume: Field Techniques (Mapping): When available, we used existing cave maps provided by Fryer (2005) and Joel Despain (NPS). These maps were accuracy checked in the field using line plot and volumetric slice data. For caves and non‐cave anomalies for which maps did not exist, we used standard cave mapping techniques (refer to Dasher 1994). Field Techniques (Volume): For all study sites, we used a 25m pull tape, laser distance finders (distos), compasses and inclinometers. We collected cave volume data every five meters (aka mapping stations) at eight points around a protractor wheel for the total length of each feature. Data Processing: Line plot and other measurements were entered into the cave mapping program Compass (Version 5.08.11.6.157). While Compass has a cave volume calculator, this function generates a cave volume estimate using four points around the protractor wheel (up, down, left and right per each mapping station). Because we required higher accuracy volume estimates, we developed a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet application to calculate volume using eight data points around the protractor wheel rather than four data points. A full description of these techniques and their applicability to deriving cave volume estimates are being prepared in a paper to be submitted for publication (refer to Ruby et al. In prep.). 5.0 Results Figure 3. 3‐D Map of Cueva Chulacao, Atacama Desert, Chile (drafted using Compass). Using our spreadsheet application, Chulacao is 3 approximately 20,005 m (Ruby et al. In Prep). Field operations were conducted from 05 – 20 June 2009. During this period, we (1) 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 5 retrieved data from data loggers located at all study sites; (2) relaunched and redeployed all data loggers that were recovered; (3) analyzed data and determined whether sensor placement was correct for all study sites and sufficient to model temperature trends; we also (4) mapped and collected volumetric data at six caves and two non‐cave anomalies (refer to Table 1). During field operations, one of our data shuttles crashed. This resulted in the loss of 10 months of data from two caves and one non‐cave anomaly in the Chulacao complex. These data could not be recovered. Names 1Chulacao 1Telocote 2Salon 1Guia 2Luna y Media 2Quitor 2Los Gatos 2Shredder 2Huesos 2Cascada Pequeña 2Cartape 1Mina Pequeña Type Cave Cave Cave Cave Cave Cave Cave Cave Cave‐like anomaly Cave‐like anomaly Cave‐like anomaly Cave‐like anomaly Length (m) Volume (m3) 859 20,005 612 5,745 285 3,121 40 400 200 350 106 348 71 275 185 214 25 38 24 17 21 14 4 3 Table 1. Cave and non‐cave study sites, Atacama Desert, Chile. Total cave length was derived using standard cave cartographic techniques (refer to Dasher 1994). Volume was estimated using new volumetric mapping techniques (Ruby et al. In Prep.). Data collected during [1] 2008 and [2] 2009 expeditions. Additionally, three of our data loggers were not recovered. 6.0 Discussion This expedition was largely successful. We collected volumetric data and completed maps of all of our study sites ‐‐ in total 12 study sites (eight caves and four cave‐like anomalies) for both the 2008 and 2009 expeditions. We were able to retrieve data from only six caves and three non‐cave anomalies. We lost 10 months of data from two caves and one non‐cave anomaly. One of our data shuttles crashed and the data could not be recovered – despite the efforts of the engineers at Onset Computer Corp. Also, we were unable to relocate three of our data loggers. We believe two loggers were stolen; these instruments were deployed in the entrances of two caves frequented by tourists. Despite our best efforts to conceal our instruments, they were found and removed. The third data logger was deployed in the entrance of a remote cave. While we had both copious notes and photographs on the location of this instrument, we were unable to relocate it. Data collected during the 2009 expedition will be used to: (a) model temperature trends of the entrance, internal cave, and surface for all caves and non‐cave anomalies; (b) examine and elucidate temperature differences between caves and non‐cave anomalies; and (c) identify the best and worst detection times to conduct missions to collect aircraft‐borne thermal imagery. While overflight times for all study sites have not been determined, we present an example of how this is estimated (refer to Figure 4). For Shredder Cave, two optimal overflight times exist – winter (June – August) between 0600 and 0800hr and summer (November – January) between 1200 and 1400hr. The worst overflight time (i.e., the time when there is minimal contrast between entrance and surface) are thermal cross‐over periods and occur during most of the year (August – May) between 1800 and 2200hr. We conducted preliminary analysis on the Atacama data to investigate temperature trends of caves and cave‐like anomalies, and examine differences between caves and non‐cave anomalies. Tentatively, our results largely concur with the results presented by Wynne et al. (2009). These results will be published in a peer‐reviewed journal. 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 6 Figure 4: Comparison of surface and entrance temperature data for the upper entrance of Shredder Cave. This is a screen shot of a software package developed during this project and used to analyze cave temperature. The left panel shows the surface (white) and entrance (blue) temperatures observed over 10 months. The right panel shows the time‐of‐day and seasonal comparison where warm colors (green‐yellow‐red) show the greatest thermal contrast and the cool colors (purple‐blue) show the least thermal contrast. Once best and worst overflights times for the caves and cave‐like anomalies are derived (for those sites that we have data), we will use these data to schedule our overflights. These results, along with the thermal imagery analysis and interpretation, will be incorporated into a paper and will be published in a peer‐reviewed journal. If best and worst overflight times for other caves and non‐cave features are similar to times for Shredder Cave, we may be able to conduct both missions during the same expedition. Table 2: 2009 Atacama Desert Cave Expedition Team Team Member Jut Wynne, FN’06 Tim Titus Affiliation SETI‐CSC, NAU USGS Role Expedition lead; Data retrieval lead Deputy expedition lead; Sensor data analyst Dan Ruby, MN’09 Fleischmann Planetarium, Univ. Number 3; Mapping team lead; Lead Nevada, Reno cartographer Guillermo Chong UCN Geologist; Logistics Christina Colpitts Research Support Group Safety officer; Cartography technician Lynn Hicks, MD, Glynn Immediate Care, Southeast Expedition Doctor; Sensor MN’09 Georgia Health System placement; Cartography technician Denise Hill MARS EMT; Cartography technician Cristian Tambley Campo Alto Logistics chief Expected Results (upon project completion): Through our efforts, we will: (1) identify times when differences between cave entrances and surface control stations are optimal and schedule thermal data collection overflights accordingly; (2) compare the thermal behavior of caves to non‐cave anomalies; and, (3) populate simulation models of the thermal dynamics of Martian caves and surface. Additionally, this project will result in the: (i) development of a systematic approach for terrestrial and extraterrestrial cave detection; (ii) establishment of a thermal signature library of terrestrial caves of various structure types; (iii) designation of optimal times for detection of caves on a per structure basis for Earth and Mars; and (iv) identification of instrumentation and mission requirements for detecting Martian caves. 7.0 Acknowledgements We extend our gratitude and thanks to Mr. Edward Rodréguez and Mr. Tomas Gerö Mertens with 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 7 CONAF‐Antofagasta, and Mr. Roberto Cruz Cruz with CONAF‐Calama and Mr. Manuel Cortes Mora Asociación Indígena Valle de la Luna for facilitating and issuing our research permits, and providing us with continued support in the field. We thank Mr. Jose Luis Jara, CONAF‐San Pedro for assistance with fieldwork and his continued support, Mr. Don Felix Colque, Mrs. Dona Maria Colque and Mr. Carlos Colque with Colque Tours‐San Pedro for continued use of our field station (“Rancho Tonka”), Mr. Marc Tiritilli and the Illinois cave search and rescue team for their willingness to remain on stand‐by during this expedition, Dr. Randy Berthold and the NASA‐ARC EERRB Safety Review Panel for their direction leading to the improvement of the expedition safety plan, Mr. Matt Arcovio and Global Rescue for their stand‐by extrication support, Mr. Scott Ellis with ONSET Computer Corp. for donating the data shuttles and for his continued support, and Mr. Joel DeSpain and Mr. Shane Fryer with the U.S. National Park Service for access to and use of Atacama Desert cave maps. Special thanks to The Explorers Club (Ms. Constance Difede and The Flag and Honors Council) for recognizing this expedition as a Flag Expedition. We also acknowledge Drs. Nathalie Cabrol (Project PI), Edmond Grin, Murzy Jhabvala, Jeff Moersch and Peter Shu for their continuous efforts and contributions to the overall objectives of this project. Dr. Nathalie Cabrol and Mr. John Dedecker (MN’09) provided comments and suggestions leading to the improvement of this report. This project is supported by the NASA Astrobiology: Exobiology and Evolutionary Biology program under grant # EXOB07‐0040. 8.0 Literature Cited Baker, V.R., Gulick, V.C., Kargel, J.S. (1993), Water resources and hydrogeology of Mars. In: Lewis, J.S. (Ed.), Resources of Near‐ Earth Space. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, pp. 765–798. Berger, I.A. and R.U. Cooke (1997), The origin and distribution of salts on alluvial fans in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, Earth Surf. Process. Landforms 22: 581‐600. Boston, P.J. (2000), Life below and life 'out there'. Geotimes 45:14‐17. Boston, P.J. (2003), Extraterrestrial Caves. Encyclopedia of Cave and Karst Science, Fitzroy‐Dearborn Publishers, Ltd., London, UK. Boston P.J., M.V. Ivanov, and C.P. McKay (1992), On the possibility of chemosynthetic ecosystems in subsurface habitats on Mars, Icarus 95: 300‐308. Boston, P.J., M.N. Spilde, and D. E. Northup, (1999), It's alive! Models of Martian biomarkers derived from terrestrial cave microbiota. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 31, A303. Boston, P.J., Frederick, R.D., Welch, S.M., Werker, J., Meyer, T.R., Sprungman, B., Hildreth‐Werker, V., Thompson, S.L., Murphy, D.L. (2003), Human utilization of subsurface extraterrestrial environments, Grav. & Space Biol. Bull. 16: 121‐131. Cabrol, N.A., E.A. Grin, and J.J. Wynne (2009), Detection of Caves and Cave‐bearing Geology on Mars, Abstract #1040, LPSC XL, Houston, TX. Chong, G. (1984), Die salare in Nordchile. Geologie, Struktur und Geochemie, Geotekt. Forsch. 67, 146 pps. Chong, G. (1988), The Cenozoic saline deposits of the Chilean Andes between 18o and 27o South latitude. In: Bahlburg, H., C., Breitkreuz, and P. Giese (Eds.): The Southern Central Andes. Lect. Notes Earth Sci. 17, 137‐151. Cushing, G.E., Titus, T.N., Wynne, J.J., Christensen, P.R. (2007), THEMIS observes possible cave skylights on Mars. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34: L17201. Cushing, G.E., T.N. Titus, W.L. Jaeger, L.P. Keszthelyi, A.S. McEwen and P.R. Christensen (2008), Continuing Study of Anomalous Pit Craters in the Tharsis Region of Mars: New Observations from HiRISE and THEMIS, 39th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC), Abstract #2447, Houston, TX. Dasher, G.R. (1994), On Station: A Complete Handbook for Surveying and Mapping Caves, National Speleological Society, Huntsville, AL, p 242. Ericksen, G.E. (1983), The Chilean nitrate deposits, Am. Sci., 71, 366‐375. Fryer, S. (2005), Halite caves of the Atacama. Natl. Speleol. Soc. News 63: 4–19. Grin, E.A., Cabrol, N.A., McKay, C.P. (1998), Caves in the Martian regolith and their significance for exobiology exploration. Abstract #: 1012, 29th LPSC, League City, TX. Hartley A.J, and G. Chong (2002), Late Pliocene age for the Atacama Desert: Implications for the desertification of western South America, Geology 30: 43‐46. Hartley, A.J., G. Chong, J. Houston, and A. Mather (2005), 150 million years of climatic stability: Evidence from the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, J. Geol. Soc., 162: 421‐424. Houston, J., and A.J. Hartley (2003), The central Andean west‐slope rainshadow and its potential contribution to the origin of hyper‐aridity in the Atacama Desert, Intl. J. Climatology 23: 1453‐1464. 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 8 Kieffer, H.H. Christensen, P.R. Martin, T.Z. Miner, E.D. and Palluconi, F.D. (1976), Temperatures of the Martian surface and atmosphere: Viking observation of diurnal and geometric variations, Science 194: 1346–1351. Klein, H.P. (1998), The search for life on Mars: what we learned from Viking. J. Geophys. Res. 103, 28463–28466. Larsen, S.E., Jorgensen, H.E., Landberg, L. and Tillman, E., (2002), Aspects of the atmospheric surface layers on Mars and Earth, BoundLay. Meteorol. 105: 451–470. Léveillé, R.J. and S. Datta (2009), Lava tubes and basaltic caves as astrobiological targets on Earth and Mars: A review, Planetary and Space Science, doi:10.1016/j.pss.2009.06.004 Mazur, P., Barghoorn, E.S., Halvorson, H.O., Jukes, T.H., Kaplin, I.R., Margulis, L. (1978), Biological implications of the Viking mission to Mars. Space Sci. Rev. 22: 3–34. Navarro‐Gonzalez, R., F.A. Rainey, P. Molina, D.R. Bagaley, B.J. Hollen, J. de la Rosa, A.M. Small, R.C. Quinn, F.J. Grunthaner, L. Ceceres, B. Gomez‐Silva, and C.P. McKay (2003), Mars‐like soils in the Atacama Desert, Chile and the dry limit of microbial life, Science 302: 1018‐1021. Quinn, R.C., Zent, A.P., Grunthaner, F.J., Ehrenfreund, P., Taylor, C.L., and J.R.C. Garry (2005), Detection and characterization of oxidizing acids in the Atacama Desert using the Mars Oxidation Instrument, Planetary and Space Sciences 53: 1376‐1388. Rinker, J.N. (1975), Airborne infrared thermal detection of caves and crevasses, Photogrammetric engineering and remote sensing 41: 1391‐1400. Ruby, D.W., J.J. Wynne, T. Titus, J. DeDecker, and N.A. Cabrol (In Prep), 3‐D Cave Mapping and Volumetric Data Capture Through Radial Slices at Intervals, International Journal of Speleology. Wynne, J.J., T.N. Titus, M.D. Jhabvala, G.E. Cushing, N.A. Cabrol and E.A. Grin (2009), Distinguishing Caves from Non‐cave Anomalies: Lessons for the Moon and Mars, Abstract #2451, LPSC XL, Houston, TX. Wynne, J.J., T.N. Titus, and G. Chong Diaz (2008a), On the Detection of Caves in the Thermal Infrared on Earth, the Moon and Mars, Earth Planet. Sci. Let. 272: 240–250. Wynne, J.J., Titus, T.N., Drost, C.A., Toomey III, R.S., Peterson, K. (2008b), Annual thermal amplitudes and thermal detection of Southwestern U.S. caves: additional insights for remote sensing of caves on Earth and Mars. Abstract #2459, 39th LPSC, League City, TX. Wynne, J.J. T.N. Titus, M.G. Chapman, G. Chong, C.A. Drost, J.S. Kargel, and R.S. Toomey III (2007), Thermal Behavior of Earth Caves: A Proxy for Gaining Inference into Martian Cave Detection. Abstract #: 2378, 38th LPSC, Houston, TX. Wyrick, D. et al. (2004), Distribution, morphology, and origins of Martian pit crater chains, J. Geophys. Res. 109: E6. Ye, Z.J., Segal M., and R.A. Pielke (1990), A comparative study of daytime thermally induced upslope flow on Mars and Earth, J. Atmos. Sci. 47: 612–628. 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report 9 Appendix I (Example of Data Logger Deployment) Cueva Salon, Atacama Desert, Chile. Boxes (red) represent the locations of where data loggers are deployed. Numbers (blue) represent the number of each data logger. Map modified from Fryer (2005). 2009 Atacama Desert Expedition (05-20 June 2009) – Explorers Club Flag Report
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