Arecibo radar observations of Martian surface characteristics near the equator

Details Arecibo radar observations of Martian surface characteristics near the equator Arecibo radar observations of Martian surface characteristics near the equator

Jan 1978

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1978icar...33..102s&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 33, Jan. 1978, p. 102-115.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Landing Sites, Mars Surface, Radar Astronomy, Radar Maps, Surface Roughness, Terrain Analysis, Data Reduction, Doppler Effect, Signal Analysis, Signal To Noise Ratios, Viking Lander 1, Viking Mars Program, Mars, Surface, Scattering, Spectrum, Landing Sites, Radar, Doppler Observations, Radar Mapping, Equatorial Regions

Scientific paper

Mars radar observations at 12.6-cm wavelength indicate that many of what were potential Viking landing sites along the planet's equator are rougher than interpretations of Mariner 9 images suggested. Root mean square surface slopes are typically 5 degrees in the region bounded by 160 and 200 degrees W, 0 and 12 degrees S. From Tharsis Montes west to 160 degrees W, radar-scattering characteristics suggest extreme roughness on small scales, perhaps exceeding 10 degrees in rms magnitude. East of Tharsis and north of Valles Marineris the surface is smooth, with values of rms slope as low as 1 degree; the elevation of this plateau was too high for a Viking landing. Study of spectral shapes indicates the Hagfors scattering law remains the best descriptor of quasi-specular surface scattering properties in an average sense; widespread variations in the surface argue against its indiscriminate use, however. Backscattering at moderate (25-40 degrees) incidence angles was studied qualitatively and was found to be significantly above the level predicted by a strictly quasi-specular (e.g., Hagfors) process; it also is variable over the surface.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Arecibo radar observations of Martian surface characteristics near the equator 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 Arecibo radar observations of Martian surface characteristics near the equator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Arecibo radar observations of Martian surface characteristics near the equator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-944889