Optical Dating of Martian Eolian Sediments by Robotic Spacecraft

Computer Science – Robotics

Scientific paper

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Mars (Planet), Mars Environment, Mars Surface, Polar Caps, Time Measurement, Geochronology, Climate, Luminescence, Robotics, Stratification, Ionizing Radiation, Mission Planning, Mars Missions

Scientific paper

The Martian polar ice caps record a wealth of information about the past history and climate of Mars, but as pointed out by Clifford et al. in the summary of the First International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration, 'The single greatest obstacle to unlocking and interpreting the geologic and climatic record preserved at the [martian] poles is the need for absolute dating.' Stratification in the polar caps arises, at least in part, from the incorporation of eolian material into the ice, and dune fields near the poles indicate eolian transport is an important surfical process in this region of Mars. Eolian materials are ideally suited for sediment dating using luminescence methods. Luminescence dating techniques have been used successfully to make absolute age determinations for numerous terrestrial Quaternary eolian deposits. Clifford et al. also concluded that cost, simplicity, and potential for minaturization make luminescence dating more feasible than isotopic methods for in situ dating by robotic landers. In fact, the water detection equipment of the Deep Space 2 microprobes and the MECA on the Mars Polar Lander contain components similar to those required for luminescence dating.

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