Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits

Details Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits

Dec 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p52a..03h&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P52A-03

Mathematics

Logic

[5462] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Polar Regions

Scientific paper

The polar regions of Mars represent a unique environment for determining the mechanisms of martian climate change over geological time. Visible stratigraphy within the Polar Layered Deposits (PLD) suggests a historical imprint, much like the ice record of Earth’s climate. Climate modulations reflected in these strata are not just relevant to modern history, but should be seen as a typical response to astronomical forcing that has been present in every epoch. Also implicit in the paleoclimate record is the history of conditions for life - indicated, perhaps, by a record of amino acids, methane, or signs of past melting. The past decade has witnessed significant progress in our understanding of PLD structure. The continuity of strata across the PLD has been confirmed with MOC images [1,2] and the MARSIS and SHARAD radar instruments [3]. Earth-based spectroscopy has revealed large spatial and seasonal variations in the atmospheric D/H ratio, underscoring its value as a climate marker in ice [4]. Terrestrial experience suggests that observable properties of ice strata can be related to the climate conditions that prevailed during their formation. To move beyond a simple chronology and link the observed modulations in the PLD to specific past climate conditions will require the in situ application of terrestrial paleoclimate assessment techniques, including measurement of the ratios D/H and 18O/16O in ice or meltwater. The observed PLD stratigraphy suggests that exploration of tens to hundreds of meters of the column is required, with centimeter-scale resolution desirable for chemical and isotopic measurements, sub-millimeter resolution for optical measurements. Whether implemented with a single deep ice borehole or a series of shallow holes along a traverse, such a mission requires subsurface access to the polar layer deposits at sufficient depth to eliminate the possibility of recent surface alteration. Accordingly, we identify a landed mission on the PLD as the next enabling step in Mars polar science. [1] Fishbaugh, K. and C. Hvidberg, J. Geophys. Res. 111, p. E06012 (2006). [2] Milkovich, S. and J. Head, J. Geophys. Res. 110, p. E01005 (2005). [3] Phillips, R.J. et al., Science 320, p. 1182 (2008). [4] Mumma, M.J. et al., proc. Sixth International Conference on Mars, #3186 (2003).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits 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 Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1774106