Patel, Priya;
(2024)
Image Processing Techniques for Studying Water in the Martian Atmosphere.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
Preview |
Text
PriyaThesis_WithCorrections.pdf - Accepted Version Download (48MB) | Preview |
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.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Image Processing Techniques for Studying Water in the Martian Atmosphere |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Space and Climate Physics |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10198550 |
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
