NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Exploring the Martian Highlands using a Rover-Deployed Ground Penetrating RadarThe Martian highlands record a long and often complex history of geologic activity that has shaped the planet over time. Results of geologic mapping and new data from the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft reveal layered surfaces created by multiple processes that are often mantled by eolian deposits. Knowledge of the near-surface stratigraphy as it relates to evolution of surface morphology will provide critical context for interpreting rover/lander remote sensing data and for defining the geologic setting of a highland lander. Rover-deployed ground penetrating radar (GPR) can directly measure the range and character of in situ radar properties, thereby helping to constrain near-surface geology and structure. As is the case for most remote sensing instruments, a GPR may not detect water unambiguously on Mars. Nevertheless, any local, near-surface occurrence of liquid water will lead to large, easily detected dielectric contrasts. Moreover, definition of stratigraphy and setting will help in evaluating the history of aqueous activity and where any water might occur and be accessible. GPR data can also be used to infer the degree of any post-depositional pedogenic alteration or weathering, thereby enabling assessment of pristine versus secondary morphology. Most importantly perhaps, GPR can provide critical context for other rover and orbital instruments/data sets. Hence, rover-deployment of a GPR deployment should enable 3-D mapping of local stratigraphy and could guide subsurface sampling.
Document ID
20010122737
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Grant, J. A.
(Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC United States)
Schutz, A. E.
(Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. North Salem, NH United States)
Campbell, B. A.
(Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Field Trip and Workshop on the Martian Highlands and Mojave Desert Analogs
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-9658
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Document Inquiry

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available