Physics
Scientific paper
May 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011pepi..186...70t&link_type=abstract
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Volume 186, Issue 1-2, p. 70-80.
Physics
Scientific paper
Meteorite impacts provide a potentially important seismic source for probing Mars' interior. It has recently been shown that new craters can be detected from orbit using high resolution imaging, which means the location of any impact-related seismic event could be accurately determined -- thus improving the constraints that could be placed on internal structure using a single seismic station. This is not true of other seismic sources on Mars such as sub-surface faulting, which require location using multiple seismic stations. This study aims to determine the seismic detectability of meteorite impacts and assess whether they are a viable means of probing deep internal structure. First, we derive a relation between crater diameter and equivalent seismic moment based on observational data compiled from impact tests, controlled explosions, and earthquake seismology. Second, this relation was combined with updated cratering rates based on newly observed craters to derive the impact induced seismicity on Mars, which we estimate to total 10^13-10^14 N m per year. Finally, seismic waveform modelling was used to determine the detectability of these impacts based on reasonable assumptions about likely seismometer performance and background noise levels. For our nominal noise/instrument case we find that detectable impacts at teleseismic distances (source-receiver offsets greater than 60°) are very rare and occur approximately once every 10 years. For our most optimistic noise/instrument case, approximately one such event occurs each year. This suggests that using solely meteorite impacts is not a reliable way of probing the Martian interior, although local impacts are more frequently detectable and could provide important constraints on near surface seismic properties.
Teanby Nicholas A.
Wookey James
No associations
LandOfFree
Seismic detection of meteorite impacts 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 Seismic detection of meteorite impacts on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Seismic detection of meteorite impacts on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-941954