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Just as the world is entering an intensive and exciting phase in the exploration of Mars, a Martian soil simulant has been developed for use in scientific research, engineering studies, and education. Called JSC Mars‐1, it is a natural material obtained from volcanic ash. It approximates, within the limits of current understanding, the reflectance spectrum, mineralogy, chemical composition, grain size, density, porosity, and magnetic properties of the oxidized soil of Mars. This material is offered in limited quantities to qualified investigators and educators, without charge except for shipping.

The weathering of Hawaiian basalts in arid and semiarid environments is accompanied by change in their thermal infrared emittance spectra. The spectral differences can be measured and mapped with multispectral imaging systems. The differences appear to be related to the degree of development, preservation, and alteration of glassy crusts; the oxidation of iron; and the accretion of silica‐rich surface veneers. Because the measurements are quantitative and in image format, they are useful for estimating relative ages in geologic mapping of lava flows. In Hawaii this technique is most diagnostic for distinguishing among sparsely vegetated flows less than 1.5 ka in age.

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