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Radar Sounding of Mars: A Focus on MARSISRadar has the unique capability of looking under the dry and cold surfaces of Mars. The depth of penetration of radio waves depends on a number of surface and subsurface parameters such as surface topography, subsurface geological structure, and surface and subsurface electromagnetic properties. Among these parameters, the surface topography is known best largely due to valuable data provided by Mars Global Surveyor's MOLA (Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter) instrument. However, little information is available on the electromagnetic properties and subsurface characteristics of Mars. In addition to dispersion, the ionosphere will also attenuate the radio wave. The level of attenuation depends on the ionosphere's electron density and its profile shape and the electron-neutral collision frequency. Fortunately, information from past missions can provide some information on the expected level of attenuation. A figure shows expected total radio wave attenuation under three different ionospheric conditions. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.
Document ID
20010089404
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Safaeinili, A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Biccari, D.
(La Sapienza Univ. Rome, Italy)
Bombaci, O.
(Alenia Spazio S.p.A. Rome, Italy)
Gurnett, D.
(Iowa Univ. Iowa City, IA United States)
Johnson, W. T. K..
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Jordan, R. L.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Orosei, R.
(Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Rome, Italy)
Picardi, G.
(La Sapienza Univ. Rome, Italy)
Plaut, J.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Seu, R.
(La Sapienza Univ. Rome, Italy)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Conference on the Geophysical Detection of Subsurface Water on Mars
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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