Chris H Okubo, PhD
Deputy Astrogeology Science Center Director and Research Operations Lead.
Chris helps to oversee management of the Astrogeology Science Center. He currently serves as chief for the Research Operations branch of the Astrogeology Science Center and continues research activities as time permits.
Chris has studied thermal characterization of pit craters on Kīlauea volcano, Hawai‘i, high resolution structural mapping in west Candor Chasma, Mars, stability analyses of Martian “gullies” and investigation of formation mechanisms and geotechnical assessments of planetary soils and rock masses. He has also studied fracture-controlled fluid flow on Mars, strain localization in porous rocks and implications for deformation band formation, structural analysis of thrust fault-related folds on Mars and satellite monitoring of active terrestrial volcanoes.
Professional Experience
U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, Deputy Center Director and Research Operations Lead (2018-Present)
U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, Research Geophysicist (2008 - 2018)
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Postdoctoral Research Associate (2005 - 2008)
Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Research Assistant (2000 - 2005)
Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai‘i, Research Associate (1997 - 2000)
HiRISE Co-Investigator and theme lead for tectonic processes
Mission operations for the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
Science team member on the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) camera for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Geological Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 2005
B.S., Geology & Geophysics, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, 1997
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union
Geological Society of America
Wilderness Medicine Institute
Honors and Awards
NASA Group Achievement award, MSL Relay Operations Team, 2014
NASA Group Achievement award, HiRISE Operations Team, 2011
NASA Early Career Fellow in Planetary Science, 2006-2010
Outstanding Ph.D. student in geoengineering, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 2004
Overall Outstanding Graduate, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, 2004
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 32
Fault populations
No abstract available.
Authors
Richard A. Schultz, Roger Soliva, Chris Okubo, Daniel Mège
Utah's geologic and geomorphic analogs to Mars—An overview for planetary exploration
Utah offers spectacular geologic features and valuable analog environments and processes for Mars studies. Horizontal strata of the Colorado Plateau are analogous to Mars because the overprint of plate tectonics is minimal, yet the effects of strong ground motion from earthquakes or impacts are preserved in the sedimentary record. The close proximity of analog environments and lack of...
Authors
Marjorie A. Chan, Kathleen Nicoll, Jens Ormo, Chris Okubo, Goro Komatsu
Constraints on mechanisms for the growth of gully alcoves in Gasa crater, Mars, from two-dimensional stability assessments of rock slopes
The value of slope stability analyses for gaining insight into the geologic conditions that would facilitate the growth of gully alcoves on Mars is demonstrated in Gasa crater. Two-dimensional limit equilibrium methods are used in conjunction with high-resolution topography derived from stereo High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) imagery. These analyses reveal three...
Authors
Chris Okubo, Livio L. Tornabene, Nina L. Lanza
The indication of Martian gully formation processes by slope-area analysis
The formation process of recent gullies on Mars is currently under debate. This study aims to discriminate between the proposed formation processes - pure water flow, debris flow and dry mass wasting - through the application of geomorphological indices commonly used in terrestrial geomorphology. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) of Earth and Mars were used to evaluate the...
Authors
Susan J. Conway, Matthew R. Balme, John C. Murray, Martin C. Towner, Chris Okubo, Peter M. Grindrod
Interpretation and analysis of planetary structures
Structural geology is an integral part of planetary science. Planetary structures provide the framework for determining the character and sequence of crustal deformation while simultaneously establishing the observational basis required to test geodynamic hypotheses for the deformation of planetary and satellite lithospheres. The availability of datasets that record spatial and...
Authors
Richard A. Schultz, Ernst Hauber, Simon A. Kattenhorn, Chris Okubo, Thomas R. Watters
Thin-skinned deformation of sedimentary rocks in Valles Marineris, Mars
Deformation of sedimentary rocks is widespread within Valles Marineris, characterized by both plastic and brittle deformation identified in Candor, Melas, and Ius Chasmata. We identified four deformation styles using HiRISE and CTX images: kilometer-scale convolute folds, detached slabs, folded strata, and pull-apart structures. Convolute folds are detached rounded slabs of material with...
Authors
Joannah Metz, John P. Grotzinger, Chris Okubo, Ralph E. Milliken
Geomorphic knobs of Candor Chasma, Mars: New Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data and comparisons to terrestrial analogs
High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) imagery and digital elevation models of the Candor Chasma region of Valles Marineris, Mars, reveal prominent and distinctive positive-relief knobs amidst light-toned layers. Three classifications of knobs, Types 1, 2, and 3, are distinguished from a combination of HiRISE and Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) images based on...
Authors
Marjorie A. Chan, Jens Ormo, Scott L. Murchie, Chris Okubo, Goro Komatsu, James R. Wray, Patrick E. McGuire, James A. McGovern
Evidence for debris flow gully formation initiated by shallow subsurface water on Mars
The morphologies of some martian gullies appear similar to terrestrial features associated with debris flow initiation, erosion, and deposition. On Earth, debris flows are often triggered by shallow subsurface throughflow of liquid water in slope-mantling colluvium. This flow causes increased levels of pore pressure and thus decreased shear strength, which can lead to slide failure of...
Authors
Nina L. Lanza, Grant A. Meyer, Chris Okubo, Horton E. Newsom, Roger C. Wiens
Porosity and grain size controls on compaction band formation in Jurassic Navajo Sandstone
Determining the rock properties that permit or impede the growth of compaction bands in sedimentary sequences is a critical problem of importance to studies of strain localization and characterization of subsurface geologic reservoirs. We determine the porosity and average grain size of a sequence of stratigraphic layers of Navajo Sandstone that are then used in a critical state model to...
Authors
Richard A. Schultz, Chris Okubo, Haakon Fossen
Inverted channel deposits on the floor of Miyamoto crater, Mars
Morphological features on the western floor of Miyamoto crater in southwestern Meridiani Planum, Mars, are suggestive of past fluvial activity. Imagery from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) gives a detailed view of raised curvilinear features that appear to represent inverted paleochannel deposits. The inverted terrain appears to be capped with a resistant, dark...
Authors
Horton E. Newsom, Nina L. Lanza, Ann M. Ollila, Sandra M. Wiseman, Ted L. Roush, Giuseppe A. Marzo, Livio L. Tornabene, Chris Okubo, Mikki M. Osterloo, Victoria E. Hamilton, Larry S. Crumpler
The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) during MRO's Primary Science Phase (PSP)
The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) acquired 8 terapixels of data in 9137 images of Mars between October 2006 and December 2008, covering ∼0.55% of the surface. Images are typically 5–6 km wide with 3-color coverage over the central 20% of the swath, and their scales usually range from 25 to 60 cm/pixel. Nine hundred and sixty...
Authors
Alfred S. McEwen, Maria E. Banks, Nicole F Baugh, Kris J. Becker, Aaron Boyd, James W. Bergstrom, Ross A. Beyer, Edward Bortolini, Nathan T. Bridges, Shane Byrne, Bradford Castalia, Frank C. Chuang, Larry S. Crumpler, Ingrid J. Daubar, Alix K. Davatzes, Donald G. Deardorff, Alaina DeJong, W.A. Delamere, Eldar Z. Noe Dobrea, Colin M. Dundas, Eric M. Eliason, Yisrael Espinoza, Audrie Fennema, Kathryn E. Fishbaugh, Terry Forrester, Paul E. Geissler, John A. Grant, Jennifer L. Griffes, John P. Grotzinger, Virginia C. Gulick, Candice J. Hansen, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, Rodney Heyd, Windy L. Jaeger, Dean Jones, Bob Kanefsky, Laszlo Kestay, Robert W. King, Randolph L. Kirk, Kelly J. Kolb, Jeffrey Lasco, Alexandra Lefort, Richard Leis, Kevin W. Lewis, Sara Martinez-Alonso, Sarah S. Mattson, Guy K. McArthur, Michael T. Mellon, Joannah Metz, Moses P. Milazzo, Ralph E. Milliken, Tahirih Motazedian, Chris Okubo, Albert Ortiz, Andrea J. Philippoff, Joseph Plassmann, Anjani Polit, Patrick S. Russell, Christian Schaller, Mindi L. Searls, Timothy Spriggs, Steve W. Squyres, Steven Tarr, Nicolas Thomas, Bradley J. Thomson, Livio L. Tornabene, Charlie Van Houten, Circe Verba, Catherine M. Weitz, James R. Wray
Structural geology of Amazonian-aged layered sedimentary deposits in southwest Candor Chasma, Mars
The structural geology of an outcropping of layered sedimentary deposits in southwest Candor Chasma is mapped using two adjacent high-resolution (1 m/pixel) HiRISE digital elevation models and orthoimagery. Analysis of these structural data yields new insight into the depositional and deformational history of these deposits. Bedding in non-deformed areas generally dips toward the center...
Authors
Chris Okubo
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 32
Fault populations
No abstract available.
Authors
Richard A. Schultz, Roger Soliva, Chris Okubo, Daniel Mège
Utah's geologic and geomorphic analogs to Mars—An overview for planetary exploration
Utah offers spectacular geologic features and valuable analog environments and processes for Mars studies. Horizontal strata of the Colorado Plateau are analogous to Mars because the overprint of plate tectonics is minimal, yet the effects of strong ground motion from earthquakes or impacts are preserved in the sedimentary record. The close proximity of analog environments and lack of...
Authors
Marjorie A. Chan, Kathleen Nicoll, Jens Ormo, Chris Okubo, Goro Komatsu
Constraints on mechanisms for the growth of gully alcoves in Gasa crater, Mars, from two-dimensional stability assessments of rock slopes
The value of slope stability analyses for gaining insight into the geologic conditions that would facilitate the growth of gully alcoves on Mars is demonstrated in Gasa crater. Two-dimensional limit equilibrium methods are used in conjunction with high-resolution topography derived from stereo High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) imagery. These analyses reveal three...
Authors
Chris Okubo, Livio L. Tornabene, Nina L. Lanza
The indication of Martian gully formation processes by slope-area analysis
The formation process of recent gullies on Mars is currently under debate. This study aims to discriminate between the proposed formation processes - pure water flow, debris flow and dry mass wasting - through the application of geomorphological indices commonly used in terrestrial geomorphology. High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) of Earth and Mars were used to evaluate the...
Authors
Susan J. Conway, Matthew R. Balme, John C. Murray, Martin C. Towner, Chris Okubo, Peter M. Grindrod
Interpretation and analysis of planetary structures
Structural geology is an integral part of planetary science. Planetary structures provide the framework for determining the character and sequence of crustal deformation while simultaneously establishing the observational basis required to test geodynamic hypotheses for the deformation of planetary and satellite lithospheres. The availability of datasets that record spatial and...
Authors
Richard A. Schultz, Ernst Hauber, Simon A. Kattenhorn, Chris Okubo, Thomas R. Watters
Thin-skinned deformation of sedimentary rocks in Valles Marineris, Mars
Deformation of sedimentary rocks is widespread within Valles Marineris, characterized by both plastic and brittle deformation identified in Candor, Melas, and Ius Chasmata. We identified four deformation styles using HiRISE and CTX images: kilometer-scale convolute folds, detached slabs, folded strata, and pull-apart structures. Convolute folds are detached rounded slabs of material with...
Authors
Joannah Metz, John P. Grotzinger, Chris Okubo, Ralph E. Milliken
Geomorphic knobs of Candor Chasma, Mars: New Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data and comparisons to terrestrial analogs
High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) imagery and digital elevation models of the Candor Chasma region of Valles Marineris, Mars, reveal prominent and distinctive positive-relief knobs amidst light-toned layers. Three classifications of knobs, Types 1, 2, and 3, are distinguished from a combination of HiRISE and Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) images based on...
Authors
Marjorie A. Chan, Jens Ormo, Scott L. Murchie, Chris Okubo, Goro Komatsu, James R. Wray, Patrick E. McGuire, James A. McGovern
Evidence for debris flow gully formation initiated by shallow subsurface water on Mars
The morphologies of some martian gullies appear similar to terrestrial features associated with debris flow initiation, erosion, and deposition. On Earth, debris flows are often triggered by shallow subsurface throughflow of liquid water in slope-mantling colluvium. This flow causes increased levels of pore pressure and thus decreased shear strength, which can lead to slide failure of...
Authors
Nina L. Lanza, Grant A. Meyer, Chris Okubo, Horton E. Newsom, Roger C. Wiens
Porosity and grain size controls on compaction band formation in Jurassic Navajo Sandstone
Determining the rock properties that permit or impede the growth of compaction bands in sedimentary sequences is a critical problem of importance to studies of strain localization and characterization of subsurface geologic reservoirs. We determine the porosity and average grain size of a sequence of stratigraphic layers of Navajo Sandstone that are then used in a critical state model to...
Authors
Richard A. Schultz, Chris Okubo, Haakon Fossen
Inverted channel deposits on the floor of Miyamoto crater, Mars
Morphological features on the western floor of Miyamoto crater in southwestern Meridiani Planum, Mars, are suggestive of past fluvial activity. Imagery from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) gives a detailed view of raised curvilinear features that appear to represent inverted paleochannel deposits. The inverted terrain appears to be capped with a resistant, dark...
Authors
Horton E. Newsom, Nina L. Lanza, Ann M. Ollila, Sandra M. Wiseman, Ted L. Roush, Giuseppe A. Marzo, Livio L. Tornabene, Chris Okubo, Mikki M. Osterloo, Victoria E. Hamilton, Larry S. Crumpler
The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) during MRO's Primary Science Phase (PSP)
The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) acquired 8 terapixels of data in 9137 images of Mars between October 2006 and December 2008, covering ∼0.55% of the surface. Images are typically 5–6 km wide with 3-color coverage over the central 20% of the swath, and their scales usually range from 25 to 60 cm/pixel. Nine hundred and sixty...
Authors
Alfred S. McEwen, Maria E. Banks, Nicole F Baugh, Kris J. Becker, Aaron Boyd, James W. Bergstrom, Ross A. Beyer, Edward Bortolini, Nathan T. Bridges, Shane Byrne, Bradford Castalia, Frank C. Chuang, Larry S. Crumpler, Ingrid J. Daubar, Alix K. Davatzes, Donald G. Deardorff, Alaina DeJong, W.A. Delamere, Eldar Z. Noe Dobrea, Colin M. Dundas, Eric M. Eliason, Yisrael Espinoza, Audrie Fennema, Kathryn E. Fishbaugh, Terry Forrester, Paul E. Geissler, John A. Grant, Jennifer L. Griffes, John P. Grotzinger, Virginia C. Gulick, Candice J. Hansen, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, Rodney Heyd, Windy L. Jaeger, Dean Jones, Bob Kanefsky, Laszlo Kestay, Robert W. King, Randolph L. Kirk, Kelly J. Kolb, Jeffrey Lasco, Alexandra Lefort, Richard Leis, Kevin W. Lewis, Sara Martinez-Alonso, Sarah S. Mattson, Guy K. McArthur, Michael T. Mellon, Joannah Metz, Moses P. Milazzo, Ralph E. Milliken, Tahirih Motazedian, Chris Okubo, Albert Ortiz, Andrea J. Philippoff, Joseph Plassmann, Anjani Polit, Patrick S. Russell, Christian Schaller, Mindi L. Searls, Timothy Spriggs, Steve W. Squyres, Steven Tarr, Nicolas Thomas, Bradley J. Thomson, Livio L. Tornabene, Charlie Van Houten, Circe Verba, Catherine M. Weitz, James R. Wray
Structural geology of Amazonian-aged layered sedimentary deposits in southwest Candor Chasma, Mars
The structural geology of an outcropping of layered sedimentary deposits in southwest Candor Chasma is mapped using two adjacent high-resolution (1 m/pixel) HiRISE digital elevation models and orthoimagery. Analysis of these structural data yields new insight into the depositional and deformational history of these deposits. Bedding in non-deformed areas generally dips toward the center...
Authors
Chris Okubo
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government