Geological Survey (U.S.)

In this interview, Chris Isbell discusses cartographic production techniques applied during analog and early digital eras, and the evolution and application of these and other related techniques as applied to numerous scientific and cartographic projects from early years (1970’s) through more recent times (late 2010’s). Isbell discusses his work at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) from his initial student appointment to the present, including planetary mapping, technical and computer programming work, working with NASA's Planetary Data System, and creating maps manually back in the hard copy era. He also discusses colleagues in related USGS departments, including: Ramona Bourdeau and the photo lab; Roger Carroll and Jim Vandivier in the drafting shop; the airbrush process used by Jay Inge and Pat Bridges at Lowell. He describes early digital processes, including Planetary Image Cartography System (PICS) and Integrated Software for Images and Spectrometers (ISIS). He discusses how NASA's Planetary Data System established cartographic standards, with the input of key people including Larry Soderblom and Hugh Kieffer. He discusses working on Voyager 1 at JPL, in a team including Soderblom, Kieffer, Ray Batson, Sherman Wu, Hal Masursky, Mike Carr, Gene Schaber, Randy Kirk, Annie Howington, Ray Jordon, and drafters Caroll and Vandivier. He also discusses Viking and the color mosaic of the equatorial belt of Mars, and the work of digital mapper Pat Chavez. He briefly discusses the planetary nomenclature program, run by Mimi Strobel, USGS representative to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), who was succeeded by Joe Russel, Jenny Blue, and Tenielle Gaither. The interview then moves to more personal questions; what brought Isbell to planetary mapping, where he would like to land on Mars, and what he would tell children about scientific research and creative work.

Interview with Randolph Kirk, Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center. Kirk discusses pursuing his PhD in planetary science, his interest in remote sensing and his thesis work on developing time photoclinometry. He describes in detail many of the changes that have taken place in planetary mapping over the years, as the field has shifted from analog techniques to digital. Kirk talks about the process of working with a software vendor to develop mapping software needed for USGS. He discusses his work on mapping Venus using radar altimetry, as well as the creation of the Venus globe, one of his favorite projects. Kirk describes the workflows of planetary mapping within USGS and the collaboration between draftsmen, geologists, airbrush artists, and other technicians. He talks about the process of deciding on landing sites for new rovers or landers, and he recalls the differences between mapping the landing sites for Mars Pathfinder versus Viking. Other projects mentioned include the Mars Exploration Rover, Curiosity and Cassini. The interview concludes with Kirk explaining the importance of planetary mapping in ensuring that data collected from space missions is synthesized into useable products. 

Interview with Mark Rosiek, a planetary photogrammetrist at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center. Rosiek discusses his work for the Air Force, prior to joining USGS, where he worked in image processing and satellite imagery. He then describes his work on mapping the landing site for the Huygens satellite on Titan, as well as his work on Martian contour maps using Viking images. Rosiek recalls his lunar mapping projects, specifically mapping the polar regions of the Moon. He describes differences between working with data from the Clementine mission versus the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Rosiek reflects on the technological advances that have changed planetary mapping work over the years. He discusses his education at SUNY College of Forestry where he was introduced to photogrammetry and remote sensing. Rosiek also talks about collaborating with geologists in his work, and he explains the changing role of USGS in the field of planetary mapping. The interview concludes with Rosiek sharing the importance of planetary mapping work and the need to continue updating maps as new technology emerges. 

Baerbel and Ivo Lucchitta are both retired from the Astrogeology Science Center at the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In this interview, they begin by sharing background information on how the USGS became involved in planetary mapping and astrogeology. Ivo explains his work in the Surface Planetary Exploration division, where he was involved in training astronauts before missions. Baerbel describes her work in the Astrogeologic Studies division, where she worked on planetary mapping. They each share stories from their work on the Apollo 17 mission. Baerbel describes the different processes involved in creating maps before the time of GIS. She discusses differences between mapping the moon and mapping Mars. The Lucchittas discuss the various equipment needed for their work and how camera technology changed over the years. Baerbel also discusses her work in mapping Ganymede, as well as her current project mapping Valles Marineris, Mars. Toward the end of the interview, the Lucchittas describe how they first came to work at USGS. Ivo discusses his work as a field geologist and his research on the Grand Canyon. They conclude by discussing the importance of continued funding and research in planetary mapping. 

Interview with Ken Herkenhoff, a research geologist at the U. S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Science Center. Herkenhoff begins by sharing how he first became interested in Mars polar research while a student at Caltech. He recalls studying images from Mariner 9 with Larry Soderblom and explains his focus on layer deposits in polar ice. Herkenhoff reflects on the changes in technology which have influenced his work and discusses the different image qualities across Viking and Mariner missions over the years. He explains the process of creating maps and discusses the transition from hand-drawn maps to GIS maps. Herkenhoff recalls his move from the Jet Propulsion Lab to USGS and discusses his current work using images from the Curiosity rover. The interview concludes with Herkenhoff sharing the differences between mapping different regions, and he encourages young people to pursue planetary mapping. 

In this interview, Jim Skinner discusses his life and career, with a focus on the uniform global geographic map of Mars. Topics discussed include: United States Geological Survey - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (USGS-NASA) Planetary Geologic Mapping Program; Ken Tanaka; Corey Fortezzo; Geographic Information System (GIS); previous maps of Mars; Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS); Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA); the advantage of terrestrial mappers in planetary mapping; Mars Global Surveyor (MGS); Trent Hare; mapping Venus; James Dohm; the USGS's 2022 planetary geologic mapping protocol; Artemis 3; Chris Okubo.

Interview with Dr. Diane McKnight, professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and currently program director for the Arctic Observing Network at the National Science Foundation. The interview begins with McKnight recounting her childhood with both parents having doctorate degrees, and she discusses the early science influences in her life. McKnight describes her decision to attend MIT for her undergraduate studies and subsequently her graduate studies in engineering, where she worked with Francois Morel. She discusses her engineering classes, campus life at MIT, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. McKnight then recalls how her early career work at the US Geological Survey led to her work in Antarctica. She shares stories of life at McMurdo Station, meeting Al Gore, and working on the Palmer Station Long Term Ecological Research project (LTER). At the end of the interview, McKnight reflects on how this work influenced her life and what life has been like since.

In this interview, Marcia McNutt discusses: current position as President of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington, D.C.; mission, history, and structure of the NAS; NAS’s work on climate change and COVID-19; experience as a geophysicist; partnering with the National Academies of Engineering and Medicine; childhood in Minnesota; decision to study geophysics; graduate research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography; research on ocean island volcanism in French Polynesia and Hawaii; early use of magnetometers, gravity meters, and seismometers in oceanic plate tectonic observation; development of techniques to take gravity, bathymetry, or topography data on continent and use them in inversion to learn about topography; work directing Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI); time at US Geological Survey (USGS) under Ken Salazar; professorship at MIT and collaboration with Woods Hole; details of leading an oceanographic expedition in the Marquesas Islands; spearheading structural change at MBARI; MBARI-created autonomous device to identify microscopic ocean life without samples; MBARI-invented deep-sea laser Raman spectrometer; being the first organization to put AI on autonomous underwater vehicles to map plumes; response to the Deepwater Horizon spill; fracking; the National Water Census; decision to become editor-in-chief of Science; procedures as editor; career evolution; becoming president of NAS; transition from the Obama to Trump administrations; opinions on geo-engineering; Decadal survey; Koshland Science Museum and LabX; efforts to nominate and elect younger scientists and underrepresented minorities to the Academy; making recommendations to Congress; collaborations with the private sector; communication with the public; and the 2018 Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s report on sexual harassment in academia. Toward the end of the interview, McNutt reflects on her career as both scientist and leader and the importance of integrity in research.

Interview with G. Brent Dalrymple, Dean and Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University. Dalrymple recounts his childhood in Los Angeles, and he explains how he settled on geology as a major at Occidental and the impact of the plate tectonics revolution that was happening at the time. He discusses his graduate work at Berkeley, and he recounts his field work under the direction of Garniss Curtis on potassium argon dating. Dalrymple explains his decision to join the U.S. Geological Survey after graduate school and his interest in learning more about volcanic rocks and magnetic fields in the Sierra range. He explains how this research solved the problem of continental drift and he discusses his subsequent research on the Hawaiian Island range. Dalrymple discusses his work on earthquake detection, and he describes the advances in K-Ar dating and techniques. He discusses his work on meteorite dating and the light this shed on what killed off the dinosaurs, and he describes his advisory work for the Apollo missions. Dalrymple explains how he became involved in debates with religious communities who insisted the age of the Earth was 6,000 years old and how this turned into his book The Age of the Earth. He describes how geo-dating is relevant for understanding star and galaxy formation and he discusses his tenure as president of the American Geophysical Union. Dalrymple describes what it was like to win the National Medal of Science, and he explains his decision to retire from the USGS and join the administration at Oregon State. At the end of the interview, Dalrymple describes the impact of continental drift research, and he conveys his enjoyment with life in retirement.

The interview focuses on Pakiser’s training at the Colorado School of Mines, his career in geology and seismology with an emphasis on his crustal studies in the 1960s. During this period Pakiser headed the crustal studies branch of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and contributed to the Department of Defense’s “Project Vela Uniform,” which aimed at the improvement of seismic detection capabilities.