Ground penetrating radar observations of subsurface structures in the floor of Jezero crater, Mars

Svein Erik Hamran, David A. Paige, Abigail Allwood, Hans E.F. Amundsen, Tor Berger, Sverre Brovoll, Lynn Carter, Titus M. Casademont, Leif Damsgård, Henning Dypvik, Sigurd Eide, Alberto G. Fairén, Rebecca Ghent, Jack Kohler, Michael T. Mellon, Daniel C. Nunes, Dirk Plettemeier, Patrick Russell, Matt Siegler, Mats Jørgen Øyan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Radar Imager for Mars Subsurface Experiment instrument has conducted the first rover-mounted ground-penetrating radar survey of the Martian subsurface. A continuous radar image acquired over the Perseverance rover's initial ∼3-kilometer traverse reveals electromagnetic properties and bedrock stratigraphy of the Jezero crater floor to depths of ∼15 meters below the surface. The radar image reveals the presence of ubiquitous strongly reflecting layered sequences that dip downward at angles of up to 15 degrees from horizontal in directions normal to the curvilinear boundary of and away from the exposed section of the Séitah formation. The observed slopes, thicknesses, and internal morphology of the inclined stratigraphic sections can be interpreted either as magmatic layering formed in a differentiated igneous body or as sedimentary layering commonly formed in aqueous environments on Earth. The discovery of buried structures on the Jezero crater floor is potentially compatible with a history of igneous activity and a history of multiple aqueous episodes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbereabp8564
JournalScience Advances
Volume8
Issue number34
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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