Suniti Karunatillake
Contents
Expertise:
Remote sensing:
1) Neutron-γ derived spectral data analysis.
2) Geochemical modeling with mutually independent data.
3) Synthesis of micro-scale and macro-scale planetary data.
4) GIS and statistical data analysis.
5) Photoanalytical methods in robotic vision.
Affiliation:
Planetary Science Lab, Geology and Geophysics Dept, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Certification/Education:
PhD, physics-planetary science, Cornell University, 2008
Research Link(s):
http://www.researcherid.com/rid/A-5934-2009
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9891-1432
FINESSE Research Objectives
As a member supported exclusively by the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium and LSU, Suniti seeks to further FINESSE research. His effort will use compositional data (Hydra instrument in particular, complemented by counterparts such as NIRVSS and Terra) and microscopic imaging, also leveraging his expertise in synthesizing micro-scale and macro-scale planetary data. This serves four objectives that advance the science results of FINESSE for martian applications. First, establish terrestrial analogs for the magmatic evolution of the Elysium Volcanic province. Second, extrapolate the degree of compositional contrast between volcanic and impact sites to regional-scales, as a reference for proposed Arabia Terra Pateraea. Third, develop a terrestrial analog, on spatial resolution, sampling depth, and elemental sensitivity, for neutron (and γ) sensors deployable in orbit and in situ on Mars. Fourth, assess the potential of a semi-automated photoanalytical algorithm, customized for martian soil, to advance robotic terrain exploration.
Suniti’s objectives serve core FINESSE counterparts, including: (Objective 6A) What is the best robotic-human ConOps design to enable and enhance science return? (5C) What are optimal protocols for sample analysis? (3B) Can impact-generated melt rocks and glasses be distinguished fromvolcanic equivalents and recognized in remote sensing data? (2B) Do volcaniclastic layers represent separate eruption events or pulses within a single eruption? (1B) What rock types and relative proportions comprise each construct and its local surroundings? Suniti will help to expand the E/PO component, to the extent it advances FINESSE, with support form LSU’s E/PO programs, and Louisiana’s EPSCoR “Speaking of Science.” Similarly, he will provide input to strengthen the virtual presence of FINESSE, based on remote collaboration, website, and cloud storage methods employed by PSL.
Biography
A vision inspired by the possibility of life beyond Earth, to explore, discover, and share the frontiers of planetary science, underpins the work led by Suniti Karunatillake. He participates as the PI of the Planetary Science Lab (PSL) at Geology and Geophysics, Louisiana State University. This supports a mission to explore processes on planetary bodies extending from the weathering of surfaces to the depths of igneous evolution. In this context, surface observations act as windows to geology and habitability. The Louisiana Space Grant Consortium and Louisiana State University fund Suniti’s FINESSE research, which also extends to PSL’s post-doctoral scientist, J.R. Skok.
Suniti’s planetary science career began with the Mars Odyssey Mission (Gamma and Neutron Spectrometer suite: GRS), mentored by Dr. Steve Squyres at Cornell. This expanded to the Mars Exploration Rovers while at Cornell, and also during post-doc research at Dr. Scott McLennan’s Stony Brook University Research Group.
Suniti’s planetary exploration strategy relies on synthesizing data at micro- and macro- scales. The dramatic contrast – in spectral information and spatial sampling – between GRS and Mars Global Surveyor’s Thermal Emission Spectrometer data, necessitated this initially. His subsequent work applies the underlying theme extensively, such as the simultaneous use of mapped geology, climate evolution, radar data, meteorite data, and in situ observations to constrain the nature of the Radar Stealth Region, Mars. Beyond planetary remote sensing, Suniti’s field experiences include visits to Meteor Crater and San Francisco Lava fields, AZ; Kilauea lava fields, HI; and Pre-Cambrian, weathered, rock formations in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.