Selection and Characterization of Terrestrial Analogs to the Martian Crust: Field Sites in the U.S. Desert Southwest for Testing Radar Sounders

Details Selection and Characterization of Terrestrial Analogs to the Martian Crust: Field Sites in the U.S. Desert Southwest for Testing Radar Sounders Selection and Characterization of Terrestrial Analogs to the Martian Crust: Field Sites in the U.S. Desert Southwest for Testing Radar Sounders

May 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004agusm.p53a..03d&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Spring Meeting 2004, abstract #P53A-03

Computer Science

Sound

1878 Water/Energy Interactions, 3672 Planetary Mineralogy And Petrology (5410), 5109 Magnetic And Electrical Properties, 6225 Mars, 6969 Remote Sensing

Scientific paper

Ideal terrestrial analogues to Mars combine features such as an arid environment, cold climate, a relatively deep water table, saline pore waters, and bedrock dominated by basalt (although more acidic volcanic strata may also be acceptable). The growing evidence for extensive eolian and fluvial sedimentary deposits on Mars demonstrates that investigation of terrestrial analogues for these environments is also needed. Because of large crustal magnetic anomalies in the southern hemisphere of Mars, highly magnetic terrestrial analogues may also be important, especially for some geophysical applications. Terrestrial analogues best suited for calibrating a suite of geophysical instruments, especially radar sounders, need to be sufficiently characterized to provide an accurate understanding of the local geologic context. During site selection, preference should be given to sites that possess a range of physical properties, stratigraphic complexity, and environmental conditions anticipated for Mars. Accessibility, local infrastructure, and cost (travel expenses, etc.) are also important site selection considerations. A number of favorable analogue sites with locations in the U.S. Desert Southwest were recommended in the 2001 National Research Council Decadal Study report on Terrestrial Analogues to Mars as potentially offering a substantial amount of scientific and technical return. Many of these analogues, however, lack sufficient characterization for prompt testing and calibration of Martian radar sounding devices. In this study, we explore new analogue sites, including sites where extensive geological, geophysical, geochemical, hydrogeological, and climate data already exist. While not cold, these sites are relatively arid with deep water tables and offer complex stratigraphy, including highly magnetic basalts, pyroclastic ashflow tuffs, and alluvium. To support current (i.e., MARSIS) and future subsurface radar-sounding missions to Mars planned for the next decade, we present available site characterization data, including results of complementary geophysical investigations (e.g., electromagnetic and magnetotelluric) for field locations in the U.S. Desert Southwest that satisfy requirements for suitability as terrestrial analogues to the Martian crust. In particular, we have assembled a wide range of geological, hydrogeological, geophysical, and geochemical data from the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada. These data have been acquired over the past 15 years as part of our on-going technical work to support the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in review of a potential license application for a high-level radioactive waste repository. These data make this region of southern Nevada an ideal site for testing existing and planned Martian exploration devices, including radar sounders.

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