Other
Scientific paper
Apr 1986
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1986icar...66..125j&link_type=abstract
Icarus (ISSN 0019-1035), vol. 66, April 1986, p. 125-133.
Other
32
Image Analysis, Landing Sites, Mars Surface, Temperature Distribution, Thermal Mapping, Viking Lander Spacecraft, Dust, Remote Sensing, Satellite Observation, Mars, Viking Missions, Landing Sites, Surface, Viking 1 Lander, Orbiters, Viking 2 Lander, Remote Sensing, Comparisons, Spacecraft Observations, Duricrust, Thermal Properties, Inertia, Dust, Thickness
Scientific paper
Global remote sensing data of the Martian surface, collected by earth- and satellite-based instruments, are compared with data from the two Viking Landers to determine if the Lander data are representative of the Martian surface. The landing sites are boulder-strewn and feature abundant fine material and evidence of strong eolian forces. One site (VL-1) is in a plains-covered basin which is associated with volcanic activity; the VL-2 site is in the northern plains. Thermal IR, broadband albedo, color imaging and radar remote sensing has been carried out of the global Martian surface. The VL-1 data do not fit a general correlation observed between increases in 70-cm radar cross-sections and thermal inertia. A better fit is found with 12.5-cm cross sections, implying the presence of a thinner or discontinuous duricrust at the VL-1 site, compared to other higher-inertia regions. A thin dust layer is also present at the VL-2 site, based on the Lander reflectance data. The Lander sites are concluded to be among the three observed regions of anomalous reflectivity, which can be expected in low regions selected for the landings. Recommendations are furnished for landing sites of future surface probes in order to choose sites more typical of the global Martian surface.
Christensen Per Rex
Jakosky Bruce M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Are the Viking Lander sites representative of the surface of Mars? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Are the Viking Lander sites representative of the surface of Mars?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Are the Viking Lander sites representative of the surface of Mars? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1102610