Computer Science – Sound
Scientific paper
Dec 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001agufm.p21c..12c&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2001, abstract #P21C-12
Computer Science
Sound
5460 Physical Properties Of Materials, 5464 Remote Sensing, 5494 Instruments And Techniques
Scientific paper
The abundance and distribution of subsurface water on Mars has important implications for understanding the geologic, hydrologic, and climatic evolution of the planet; the potential origin and continued survival of life; and the accessibility of a critical in situ resource for sustaining future human explorers. For this reason, a principal goal of the international Mars exploration program is to determine the 3-D distribution and state of subsurface H2O, at a resolution sufficient to permit reaching any desired volatile target by drilling. The highest priority targets include: groundwater (both shallow and deep), massive deposits of segregated ground ice (associated with the frozen discharge of the outlfow channels or the relic of a former ocean), and the polar layered deposits. Unfortunately, our ignorance about the heterogeneous nature and thermal evolution of the Martian crust effectively precludes geomorphic or theoretical attempts to quantitatively assess the current geographic and subsurface vertical distribution of ground ice and groundwater. As a result, any exploration activity (such as drilling) whose success is contingent on the presence of subsurface water, must be preceded by a comprehensive high-resolution geophysical survey capable of assessing whether local reservoirs of water and ice actually exist. Terrestrial experience has demonstrated that the accurate identification of such targets is likely to require the application of multiple geophysical techniques. Here we propose a two-phase approach to "following the water" on Mars - the first phase consisting of global reconnaissance missions dedicated to identifying and prioritizing potential volatile targets, followed by a second phase of high-resolution investigations of the most promising sites. Currently, the two missions that appear best suited for conducting a global survey are: (i). a 2nd-Generation Orbital Radar Sounder (optimized to sound both the shallow- and deep-subsurface). The potential yield from such a mission would be greatly enhanced by the use of aperture synthesis and orbital interferometry - techniques that would significantly improve our 3-D knowledge of the crust and help discriminate between structural, lithologic and volatile signatures. And (ii). a 20+-Station Global Geophysical Network, employing both seismic and electromagnetic techniques - with stations clustered in groups of 3 to 4 to provide higher resolution investigations of any promising local sites identified by the Orbital Radar Sounder. An expected result of these two missions is the identification and prioritization of candidate sites for more focussed investigations. There are a variety of potential platforms and instruments that might be employed in such an effort, ranging from high-density surface networks to aerial surveys conducted by aircraft, aerobots, or balloons. The chief requirement for this type of investigation is an operational one - that, whatever its design, it be capable of resolving the location of a potential volatile target at sufficiently high spatial resolution to guide the placement and operation of a drill. Instruments designed to sound the Martian subsurface are planned as part of several missions between now and 2007. These initial efforts will provide invaluable data for the design of more comprehensive and ambitious investigations that are likely to be flown in 2009 and beyond.
Clifford Stephen M.
George Jeffery A.
Stoker Carol R.
No associations
LandOfFree
An Integrated Geophysical Strategy to "Follow the Water" on 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 An Integrated Geophysical Strategy to "Follow the Water" on Mars., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Integrated Geophysical Strategy to "Follow the Water" on Mars. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1238950