Electromagnetic characterization of polar ice-wedge polygons: Implications for periglacial studies on Mars and Earth

Computer Science – Sound

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

1

Scientific paper

Polygonal terrain is found in a variety of polar environments on Earth and Mars. As a result, many areas of northern Canada may represent ideal terrestrial analogues for specific regions of Mars - in particular the northern plains. In the Canadian Arctic, polygon troughs are commonly underlain by wedges of massive ice, with rare examples of other wedge types. If the same is true for Mars, this raises interesting implications for the processes that concentrate H2O at the Martian poles. This study uses an electromagnetic induction sensor to investigate the electromagnetic characteristics of terrestrial polar ice-wedge polygons. Surveys were conducted in two regions of the Canadian Arctic using a DUALEM-1S dual-geometry electromagnetic induction sensor, which measures electrical conductivity in the first 1.5-2 m of the subsurface. At locations where strong geomorphological evidence of ice was found, polygon troughs corresponded to local conductive anomalies. Trenching confirmed the presence of ice wedges at one site and allowed ground-truthing and calibration of the geophysical data. Previously unknown bodies of massive ice were also identified through the use of this geophysical technique. This study shows that an electromagnetic induction sounder is a useful instrument for detecting and mapping out the presence of subsurface ice in the Canadian Arctic. Taking together with its small size, portability and ruggedness, we suggest that this would also be a useful instrument for any future missions to Mars’ polar regions.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Electromagnetic characterization of polar ice-wedge polygons: Implications for periglacial studies on Mars and Earth 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 Electromagnetic characterization of polar ice-wedge polygons: Implications for periglacial studies on Mars and Earth, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electromagnetic characterization of polar ice-wedge polygons: Implications for periglacial studies on Mars and Earth will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1224623

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.