Comparison of Terrestrial Morphology, Ejecta, and Sediment Transport of Small Craters: Volcanic and Impact Analogs to Mars

Introduction: Small craters, of both impact and volcanic origin, may represent some the most recent geologic activity on Mars [1]. Determining formational and erosional processes associated with these craters may have larger implications concerning the climate and surface evolution of Mars. The question of whether analysis of crater morphology, ejecta, and sediment transport can be ascertained through remote sensing data in a terrestrial analog and applied to Mars is the focus of this research. Research objectives include first field observation/data collection coupled with a multi-wavelength remote sensing analysis. This methodology will be used to quantify formational and erosional processes that operate at smaller scales than previous studies. Ultimately, they will be applied to Mars datasets to determine the surface processes which operated on Mars at these small craters.