The characterization of buried geologic structures can be considered one of the most important goals of the planetary subsurface exploration. Such valuable information can be provided by the geophysical techniques not only on the Earth, but even on planets like Mars. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method widely used in many applications. Future landing vehicles like EXOMARS - 2020 NASA ROVER will also bring a GPR aiming to obtain high-resolution subsurface images. Recently, “AMADEE18 Mars Analogue Simulation” has included the “ScanMars” experiment, during which analogue astronauts collected 24 GPR profiles across the study site in the Dhofar Region (Sultanate of Oman). About 1400 meters of profiles, a total of 70’000 radar echoes were recorded in four sites with different geological characteristics. The processed data show a good quality and a max penetration depth of about 5 meters. “ScanMars” data display dipping horizons, strong reflections, sectors with differential signal strength/attenuation and reflectors geometries showing features typical of dried Wadi riverbed environments. Our experiment confirms the GPR is a valuable tool for planetary exploration, allowing to extend in depth the surface observation and pursuing the main objective of studying water-related subsurface geologic features.
The ScanMars experiment in Amadee18 Mars simulation: GPR images of subsurface geologic structures from the Dhofar desert (Sultanate of Oman)
Ercoli M.
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;Frigeri A.Supervision
;Orfei F.;Pauselli C.
2018
Abstract
The characterization of buried geologic structures can be considered one of the most important goals of the planetary subsurface exploration. Such valuable information can be provided by the geophysical techniques not only on the Earth, but even on planets like Mars. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method widely used in many applications. Future landing vehicles like EXOMARS - 2020 NASA ROVER will also bring a GPR aiming to obtain high-resolution subsurface images. Recently, “AMADEE18 Mars Analogue Simulation” has included the “ScanMars” experiment, during which analogue astronauts collected 24 GPR profiles across the study site in the Dhofar Region (Sultanate of Oman). About 1400 meters of profiles, a total of 70’000 radar echoes were recorded in four sites with different geological characteristics. The processed data show a good quality and a max penetration depth of about 5 meters. “ScanMars” data display dipping horizons, strong reflections, sectors with differential signal strength/attenuation and reflectors geometries showing features typical of dried Wadi riverbed environments. Our experiment confirms the GPR is a valuable tool for planetary exploration, allowing to extend in depth the surface observation and pursuing the main objective of studying water-related subsurface geologic features.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
