Alicia Fallacaro
Masters of Science Graduate in Remote Sensing Geology, UNR 2003
Fallacar@unr.edu

Education

M.S. Geology, 2003

University of Nevada, Reno, Mackay School of Mines, Reno, Nevada

B.S. Geology cum Laude, 2001

University of Arkansas

Graduate Research

M.S. Thesis Title: "Spectral and Geochemical Characteristics of Lake Superior Type Banded Iron Formation: Analog to the Martian Hematite Outcrops"
 

I have been working with Dr. Wendy Calvin on a study of Archean earth banded iron formations (BIF) as an analog for early Mars. Specular hematite has been observed on the Martian surface by TES (Thermal Emission Spectrometer). This has been a significant discovery due to the preferred origin of specular hematite, which is through aqueous precipitation. The Archean earth BIF in the Lake Superior Region is one of the few places to examine specular hematite on earth. Furthermore, it was deposited at a time when the earth’s atmosphere was comparable to the Martian atmosphere. Specifically, there was little free oxygen and significantly more CO2. We hope to acquire hyperspectral data over this area, as well as laboratory samples in order to construct a spectral library of the iron facies present in these formations. The spectral data we gather can be used to constrain the surface composition of specific areas on Mars. The data will also serve as a reference frame of sorts for viewing the surface of Mars and hopefully lead to some conclusions about Martian history.

Publications and Presentations

Cortez, E.B. and Fallacaro, A. 2000.

Glauconitic(?) Pellets in the Insoluble Residue of the Boone Formation (Mississippian-Osagean), Northwestern Arkansas, and the Color of the Boone Regolith. Abstracts with Programs, Geological Society of America, 32(3):A-7

Fallacaro, A. and Cortez, E.B. 2000.

Inplications of Volcanic Ash in the Sand Size Insoluble Fraction, Boone Formation (Missippian-Osagean), Northwestern Arkansas. Abstracts with Programs, Geological Society of America, 32(3): A-9.

Cortez, E.B. and Fallacaro, A. 2001

Insoluble Mineral Analysis of the St. Joe-Boone Formations (Lower Missippian) and the Regolith Problem, northwestern Arkansas. Abstracts with Programs, Geological Society of America, 33(5): A-23.

Calvin, W.M., Fallacaro, A., Hamilton, V.E. 2002

Alternative Alteration Pathways at Mars and Possible Auxillary Minerals for the Hematite Regions. Lunar and Planetary Science Conference XXXIII, Abstract #1154, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston (CD-ROM).

(Dec 2003)

Post Graduate Update - March 2005 

Since finishing my MS in geology at the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2003 I have been working on the Mars Exploration Rover at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena California..  I followed my advisor Dr. Wendy Calvin to participate on the science working group and I work for one of the instruments on board, the miniature thermal emission spectrometer.  I support the instrument on a daily basis, building sequences that command the instrument and monitoring the returned data.  I am also responsible for executing the daily plans for Opportunity and Sprit. (from Univ. ARK Space Notes)