eprintid: 10198550
rev_number: 8
eprint_status: archive
userid: 699
dir: disk0/10/19/85/50
datestamp: 2024-11-14 16:10:43
lastmod: 2024-11-14 16:10:43
status_changed: 2024-11-14 16:10:43
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 699
creators_name: Patel, Priya
title: Image Processing Techniques for Studying Water in the Martian Atmosphere
ispublished: unpub
divisions: UCL
divisions: B04
divisions: C06
divisions: F63
abstract: Water is crucial in understanding Martian climatology, with water-ice clouds and atmospheric water vapour playing a large role in the planet's water cycle. This thesis presents a comprehensive study of the Martian atmosphere using rover data, with a focus on three primary objectives: water-ice cloud characterisation, multi-model comparisons of wind dynamics, and water vapour detection techniques.\\

The investigation commenced with the analysis of water-ice clouds over Jezero Crater, utilising cloud movies collected by the Navigation Camera (NavCam) on the Perseverance Rover. Advanced image processing methods, including image segmentation, thresholding, and 2D Fourier Transforms (2D-FFT), facilitated the identification of cloud formations, varying in size from 2.90 km to 15.25 km across altitudes of 30 km to 50 km. A novel application of the box-counting method revealed the multifractal nature of these clouds, marking a significant and first-of-its-kind discovery in Martian cloud research. \\

The Dynamic Adaptive Cloud Tracking (DACT) algorithm, developed as part of this research, enabled the calculation of wind speeds from cloud movements, offering new perspectives on Martian wind patterns at altitudes otherwise difficult to study.  Utilizing Mars Climate Sounder data, cloud altitudes during the Aphelion Cloud Belt season at Jezero Crater were determined. Comparative analysis with the mesoscale MarsWRF and the global PCM models showed alignment in observed wind speeds with both models. However, discrepancies in wind direction with PCM suggest potential future model refinements.\\

Lastly, the thesis explores the capability of PanCam's solar filters on the upcoming Rosalind Franklin Rover to detect atmospheric water vapour at Oxia Planum. Using the Planetary Spectrum Generator, a modelled transmission difference of 0.91\% was noted between the 925nm and 935nm filters, indicative of water vapour presence. This analytical approach, validated by experimental observations on Earth, underscores the use of these filters in water vapour studies for future Mars missions.
date: 2024-10-28
date_type: published
oa_status: green
full_text_type: other
thesis_class: doctoral_open
thesis_award: Ph.D
language: eng
primo: open
primo_central: open_green
verified: verified_manual
elements_id: 2327758
lyricists_name: Patel, Priyaben
lyricists_id: PPATA63
actors_name: Patel, Priyaben
actors_id: PPATA63
actors_role: owner
full_text_status: public
pages: 288
institution: UCL (University College London)
department: Space and Climate Physics
thesis_type: Doctoral
citation:        Patel, Priya;      (2024)    Image Processing Techniques for Studying Water in the Martian Atmosphere.                   Doctoral thesis  (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).     Green open access   
 
document_url: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10198550/1/PriyaThesis_WithCorrections.pdf