Cassini Interdisciplinary Investigation:

Satellites (IDS)

IDS: Dr. Laurence A. Soderblom

Interdisciplinary Scientist:

General Description of Interdisciplinary Investigation:

The scientific goal of this Cassini mission interdisciplinary scientific investigation is to understand the geologic processes, evolutionary history, composition, and physical state of the surfaces of Saturn's icy satellites. The investigation will make use of the Cassini ultraviolet, visible, and infrared imaging data to determine topography, photometric properties, textures, stratigraphy, and spectroscopic signatures of the surfaces of the icy satellites.

Scientific Objectives of Interdisciplinary Investigation:

• Study the cratering records of satellite surfaces, especially those of Dione and Rhea.
• Determine the nature of surface processes, especially for Enceladus.
• Differentiate between endogenic and exogenic surface processes, especially for Iapetus.
• Compile and publish a variety of cartographic products for the satellites of Saturn.

   

For additional information about the United States Geologic Survey activities at Flagstaff, Arizona, see http://wwwflag.wr.usgs.gov/ (USGS Flagstaff homepage).