Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001agufm.p52a0571r&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2001, abstract #P52A-0571
Mathematics
Logic
5462 Polar Regions, 5464 Remote Sensing, 5494 Instruments And Techniques
Scientific paper
Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data has become an important resource in Earth geodesy and geophysics over the past decade. InSAR data derived from orbital time-lapse imaging have been used to create meter-scale topographic maps and millimeter-scale deformation measurements (e.g. earthquakes and subsidence) at fine planimetric resolution over large areas. Time series of images also can characterize the extent of resurfacing at scales comparable to the radar wavelength. A more classical SAR operating at low-frequency penetrates dry soils to many meters, mapping subsurface structures. InSAR can address some of the most important scientific problems associated with the exploration of Mars. The subsurface imaging capabilities of a low-frequency SAR can be considered as the first-order use of a radar at Mars, as it would map the detailed geomorphology of the surface below the dust, providing a definitive characterization of hidden fluvial, aeolian, and volcanic activity, as well as a more complete cratering history. Beyond this, the detailed topography produced by InSAR, comparable in quality to planned high-resolution optical sensors, can characterize ancient hydrological activity through a detailed geomorphologic analysis of the Martian surface. More importantly, in featureless, dusty terrains, InSAR can derive accurate topographic maps where optical stereo matching is hampered. The search for paleo-shorelines and a definitive measurement of outflow channel profiles to assess flow dynamics may therefore require InSAR measurements. The unique capability of time-lapse InSAR technique to measure fine surface deformation over large areas should give fundamentally new data to monitor the present day water / CO2 exchange processes between the atmosphere and surface of Mars. Any local height changes of the Martian surface associated with annual variability in the distribution or state of water or CO2 can be measured at the millimeter scale with InSAR. InSAR could also measure centimeter-scale resurfacing due to dust devils and storms, thereby tracking mass movements and atmospheric circulation patterns. Preliminary studies have already been conducted to address more precisely the technological issues for such an instrument. An InSAR sensor could be considered for a 2009 opportunity within the planned Mars exploration program.
Hensley Scott
Massonnet Didier
Paillou Philippe
Rosen Paul A.
Thompson Thomas
No associations
LandOfFree
Imaging Radar Interferometry for the Exploration of 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 Imaging Radar Interferometry for the Exploration of Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Imaging Radar Interferometry for the Exploration of Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1239692