The Multi-Temporal Database of High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) and Planetary Images of Mars (MUTED): A Tool to Support the Identification of Surface Changes

Introduction Image data transmitted to Earth by Martian spacecraft since the 1970s, for example by Mariner and Viking, Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Express (MEx) and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) showed, that the surface of Mars has changed dramatically and actually is continually changing [e.g., 1-8]. The changes are attributed to a large variety of atmospherical, geological and morphological processes, including eolian processes [9,10], mass wasting processes [11], changes of the polar caps [12] and impact cratering processes [13]. The detection of surface changes in planetary image data is closely related to the spatial and temporal availability of images in a specific region. While previews of the images are available at ESA’s Planetary Science Archive (PSA), through the NASA Planetary Data System (PDS) and via other less frequently used databases, there is no possibility to quickly and conveniently see the spatial and temporal availability of HRSC images and other planetary image data in a specific region, which is important to detect the surface changes that occurred between two or more images. In addition, it is complicated to get an overview of the image quality and label information for images covering the same area. However, the investigation of surface changes represents a key element in martian research and has implications for the geologic, morphologic and climatic evolution of Mars. In order to address these issues, we developed the “MultiTemporal Database of High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) Images” (MUTED), which represents a tool for the identification of the spatial and multi-temporal coverage of planetary image data from Mars. Scientists will be able to identify the location, number, and time range of acquisition of overlapping HRSC images. MUTED also includes images of other planetary image datasets such as those of the Context Camera (CTX), the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). The database supports the identification and analysis of surface changes and short-lived surface processes on Mars based on fast automatic database queries. From the multi-temporal planetary image database and the multi-temporal observations we will better understand the interactions between the surface of Mars and external forces, including the atmosphere. MUTED will be available for the scientific community via the Institut für Planetologie (IfP) Muenster.