Radar measurements of Martian topography and surface properties: The 1971 and 1973 oppositions

The Goldstone radar system was used at a wavelength of 12.6 cm to probe the Martian surface during the 1973 opposition. Measurements of range and reflected power were made at least weekly between July 12 and November 24. Surface cells isolated by the radar system were 8 km E-W × 110 km N-S. Altitudes were calculated from signal time delays measured relative to a triaxial ellipsoid and were combined with altitudes measured during the 1971 opposition. Contours of constant altitude were calculated at 200 m intervals between latitudes ?14° and ?22°. These contours are presented in conjunction with Mars charts derived from Mariner 9 television pictures. Reflected power was measured at angles of incidence between ?5° and +5°. These measurements were combined with those obtained during the 1971 opposition. Predictions of the reflected power versus the angle of incidence were calculated from the exponential surface model of Hagfors. The predictions were fit to the data in a least-squares sense, using a nonlinear iterative procedure, to yield estimates of surface roughness and reflectivity. The smoother regions exhibit a typical reflectivity of 8.2%. A tendency for the reflectivity to decrease with increasing roughness was observed.     

Topography and radar scattering properties of Mars

High-resolution radar observations of Mars at a wavelength of 3.8 cm have been carried out at the Haystack Observatory for a period of about 6 months surrounding the 1971 opposition. The relative surface height variation with longitude over a band of Martian latitudes between about ?14° and ?22° has been derived from these observations with an error of about 75m in the most favorable cases. At ?14° latitude, the dielectric constant was found to increase steadily from about 1.7 at 70°W to about 5.0 at 110°W. Over the same interval the rms surface slopes vary from 2° to 1°. The mean equatorial radius of Mars as determined from the combined radar data of 1967, 1969 and 1971 was found to be 3394 ± 2km.     

A comparison of the thermal and radar characteristics of Mars

There is a correlation between Martian thermal inertia and radar cross section data centered on +22° latitude. The correlation is strongest with 70-cm radar, except between longitudes 10 and 90° where there is a slight anticorrelation, and gets progressively weaker at 12.5- and 3.8-cm wavelengths, respectively. A correlation is expected because of the dependence of both properties on density, but an increase in the average particle size of the surface with increasing dielectric constant is also required in order to explain the data. This may take the form of an increased number of small rocks. The anticorrelation may result from either the effects of atmospheric dust on the surface temperature or from the effects on radar of local variations in large-scale roughness or scattering by rocks. The relative behavior between the wavelengths can be understood in terms of appropriately sized rocks which act as radar scatterers. The trend of the correlation agrees with the dichotomy of the planet into two types of terrain, as noted in other remote-sensing data, and is consistent with an erosional versus depositional surface nature. Variations in the surface dielectric constant, inferred from the 3.8-cm radar data, can explain discrepancies between 2.8-cm radio emission observations and a simple model based on the global distribution of thermal inertia and albedo.     

Surficial Geologic Surveys of Gale Crater and Melas Chasma, Mars: Integration of Remote-Sensing Data

Remote-sensing observations of Gale Crater and Melas Chasma are synthesized to better understand the present surface layer in these two scientifically interesting regions. Data sets analyzed include geologic maps, Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) elevation, Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) albedo, TES thermal inertia, MOLA residual pulse width, TES rock abundance, and Viking and Mars Orbiter Camera images. Using these data sets, we constrain the properties of and processes acting on the present surface and create self-consistent models for the surface layer. Surface properties within Gale Crater are variable and complex, and interpreting the surface layer is not straightforward. Observations indicate that aeolian processes have shaped some of the intracrater surface, but other areas do not comply with this model and have counterintuitive surface characteristics. In contrast, aeolian activity appears to have played a large role in shaping the present-day physical structure of all surfaces in Melas Chasma and is reflected in the remote-sensing data sets. Here we summarize our analysis and discuss the surface attributes as determined from these data sets.     

Shallow radar (SHARAD) sounding observations of the Medusae Fossae Formation, Mars

The SHARAD (shallow radar) sounding radar on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter detects subsurface reflections in the eastern and western parts of the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF). The radar waves penetrate up to 580 m of the MFF and detect clear subsurface interfaces in two locations: west MFF between 150 and 155° E and east MFF between 209 and 213° E. Analysis of SHARAD radargrams suggests that the real part of the permittivity is ∼3.0, which falls within the range of permittivity values inferred from MARSIS data for thicker parts of the MFF. The SHARAD data cannot uniquely determine the composition of the MFF material, but the low permittivity implies that the upper few hundred meters of the MFF material has a high porosity. One possibility is that the MFF is comprised of low-density welded or interlocked pyroclastic deposits that are capable of sustaining the steep-sided yardangs and ridges seen in imagery. The SHARAD surface echo power across the MFF is low relative to typical martian plains, and completely disappears in parts of the east MFF that correspond to the radar-dark Stealth region. These areas are extremely rough at centimeter to meter scales, and the lack of echo power is most likely due to a combination of surface roughness and a low near-surface permittivity that reduces the echo strength from any locally flat regions. There is also no radar evidence for internal layering in any of the SHARAD data for the MFF, despite the fact that tens-of-meters scale layering is apparent in infrared and visible wavelength images of nearby areas. These interfaces may not be detected in SHARAD data if their permittivity contrasts are low, or if the layers are discontinuous. The lack of closely spaced internal radar reflectors suggests that the MFF is not an equatorial analog to the current martian polar deposits, which show clear evidence of multiple internal layers in SHARAD data.     

Schroeter's ratios for Martian craters: Radar results

Schroeter's ratios (ratios of the rim volume to the apparent volume) are determined for a sample of 29 large, degraded Martian craters selected from the Goldstone Mars radar altimetry data. On the average, the values of the calculated Schroeter's ratios are about two orders of magnitude smaller than the same ratios for fresh lunar craters. This indicates a severe rim volume deficit in degraded Martian craters and it provides an additional support to the notion of a widespread resurfacing of intercrater plains on Mars. Schroeter's ratios for degraded craters could provide a semi-quantitative measure of the effects of the modification processes that had been active on Mars and on the other planetary bodies.     

Radar observations of asteroid 1999 JM8

Abstract— We report results of delay‐Doppler observations of 1999 JM8 with the Goldstone 8560 MHz (3.5 cm) and Arecibo 2380 MHz (13 cm) radars over 18 days in July‐August 1999. The images place thousands of pixels on the asteroid and achieve range resolutions as fine as 15 m/pixel. The images reveal an asymmetric, irregularly shaped object with a typical overall dimension within 20% of 7 km. If we assume that 1999 JM8's effective diameter is 7 km, then the absolute magnitude, 15.15, and the average Goldstone radar cross section, 2.49 km², correspond to optical and radar albedos of 0.02 and 0.06, establishing that 1999 JM8 is a dark object at optical and radar wavelengths. The asteroid is in a non‐principal axis spin state that, although not yet well determined, has a dominant periodicity of ?7 days. However, images obtained between July 31 and August 9 show apparent regular rotation of features from day to day, suggesting that the rotation state is not far from principal axis rotation. 1999 JM8 has regions of pronounced topographic relief, prominent facets several kilometers in extent, numerous crater‐like features between ?100 m and 1.5 km in diameter, and features whose structural nature is peculiar. Arecibo images provide the strongest evidence to date for a circular polarization ratio feature on any asteroid. Combined optical and radar observations from April 1990 to December 2000 permit computation of planetary close approach times to within ± 10 days over the interval from 293 to at least 2907, one of the longest spans for any potentially hazardous asteroid. Integration of the orbit into the past and future shows close approaches to Earth, Mars, Ceres, and Vesta, but the probability of the object impacting Earth is zero for at least the next nine centuries.     

Martian albedo feature variations with season: Data of 1971 and 1973

This paper is a qualitative and quantitative investigation of recent seasonal and secular albedo feature variations on Mars using the improved red-filter photography of the International Planetary Patrol Program obtained during the 1971 and 1973 apparitons. The boundaries of telescopic albedo features showing significant changes and uncommonly bright areas were measured with an image projection reader and plotted on Mars maps in order to compare changes with Mariner 9 variable feature data obtained in 1972. The Daedalia-Claritas darkening (90–130°W, 25°S) of 1973 was the most significant change observed on Mars since the Laocoontis-Alcyonius darkening of the 1950 decade. The 1973 apparition presented six excellent examples of normal seasonal changes.Photographic photometry of 21 albedo features located in three longitude regions was systematically done on 120 original red-filter negatives, about half representing the Martian southern spring season and the other half the southern summer season. These two sets of photographs differed about 90° in L_s but were nearly equal in viewing geometry. They were identical in image scale, emulsion, color response, and quality. The data, consisting of 3960 density measurements, were analyzed in terms of albedo ratios and their fluctuations. Several types of diagnostic graphs are presented.Seasonal differences of the mean brightness ratios for most of the features were found to be consistent with the contrast changes shown on photographic Mars maps. Seasonal variations of brightnesses with latitude and region were indicated, but not in the strict classical sense of a wave-of-darkening. Most albedo features were more variable during southern spring than they were in summer. Most light albedo features were more active than dark ones during both seasons. There was a general loss of relative contrast in southern summer. No systematic dependence on solar phase angle was detected within the range (38° > i > 16°) spanned by both sets of photographs.     

Radar observations of asteroid 25143 Itokawa (1998 SF36)

Abstract— We observed 25143 Itokawa, the target of Japan's Hayabusa (MUSES‐C) sample‐return mission, during its 2001 close approach at Arecibo on twelve dates during March 18‐April 9 and at Goldstone on nine dates during March 20‐April 2. We obtained delay‐Doppler images with range resolutions of 100 ns (15 m) at Arecibo and 125 ns (19 m) at Goldstone. Itokawa's average circular polarization ratio at 13 cm, 0.26 ± 0.04, is comparable to that of Eros, so its cm‐to‐m surface roughness probably is comparable to that on Eros. Itokawa's radar reflectivity and polarization properties indicate a near‐surface bulk density within 20% of 2.5 g cm^?3. We present a preliminary estimate of Itokawa's shape, reconstructed from images with rather limited rotation‐phase coverage, using the method of Hudson (1993) and assuming the lightcurve‐derived spin period (12.132 hr) and pole direction (ecliptic long., lat. = 355°, ?84°) of Kaasalainen et al. (2003). The model can be described as a slightly asymmetrical, slightly flattened ellipsoid with extents along its principal axes of 548 times 312 times 276 m ± 10%. Itokawa's topography is very subdued compared to that of other asteroids for which spacecraft images or radar reconstructions are available. Similarly, gravitational slopes on our Itokawa model average only 9° and everywhere are less than 27°. The radar‐refined orbit allows accurate identification of Itokawa's close planetary approaches through 2170. If radar ranging planned for Itokawa's 2004 apparition succeeds, then tracking of Hayabusa during its 2005 rendezvous should reveal Yarkovsky perturbation of the asteroid's orbit.     

Water distribution in Martian permafrost regions from joint analysis of HEND (Mars Odyssey) and MOLA (Mars Global Surveyor) data

We jointly analyze data from the High-Energy Neutron Detector (HEND) onboard the NASA Mars Odyssey spacecraft and data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) onboard the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. The former instrument measures the content of hydrogen (in the form of H₂O or OH) in the subsurface layer of soil and the latter instrument measures the surface albedo with respect to the flux of solar energy. We have checked the presence of a correlation between these two data sets in various Martian latitude bands. A significant correlation has been found between these data at latitudes poleward of 40° in the northern hemisphere and at latitudes 40°–60° in the southern hemisphere. This correlation is interpreted as evidence for the presence of stable water ice in these regions under a dry layer of soil whose thickness is determined by the condition for equilibrium between the condensation of water from the atmosphere and its sublimation when heated by solar radiation. For these regions, we have derived an empirical relation between the flux of absorbed solar radiation and the thickness of the top dry layer. It allows the burial depth of the water ice table to be predicted with a sub-kilometer resolution based on near-infrared albedo measurements. We have found no correlation in the southern hemisphere at latitudes >60°, although neutron data also suggest that water ice is present in this region under a layer of dry soil. We conclude that the thickness of the dry layer in this region does not correspond to the equilibrium condition between the water ice table and the atmosphere.     

CO2 distribution on Mars

Ground-based observations of the CO₂ distribution on Mars were made this past opposition from Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory. Almost complete coverage of the Martian surface from 40°N to 60°S was obtained. Agreement with previous Kitt Peak observations is good, and confirmation of a pressure anomaly in the Tharsis region has been obtained. The ridge whose eastern slope is Syrtis Major stops at about 15°S, in agreement with the 1971 radar data. The Noachis-Hellas region south of Syrtis Major appears at about average altitude, indicating that the dust storm of 1971 was already active in that region as early as the end of August.     

Integrating radar stratigraphy with high resolution visible stratigraphy of the north polar layered deposits,Mars

Shallow Radar (SHARAD) on board NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has successfully detected tens of reflectors in the subsurface of the north polar layered deposits (NPLD) of Mars. Radar reflections are hypothesized to originate from the same material interfaces that result in visible layering. As a first step towards verifying this assumption, this study uses signal analyses and geometric comparisons to quantitatively examine the relationship between reflectors and visible layers exposed in an NPLD outcrop. To understand subsurface structures and reflector geometry, reflector surfaces have been gridded in three dimensions, taking into account the influence of surface slopes to obtain accurate subsurface geometries. These geometries reveal reflector dips that are consistent with optical layer slopes. Distance–elevation profiling of subsurface reflectors and visible layer boundaries reveals that reflectors and layers demonstrate similar topography, verifying that reflectors represent paleosurfaces of the deposit. Statistical and frequency-domain analyses of the separation distances between successive layers and successive reflectors confirms the agreement of radar reflector spacing with characteristic spacing of certain visible layers. Direct elevation comparisons between individual reflectors and discrete optical layers, while necessary for a one-to-one correlation, are complicated by variations in subsurface structure that exist between the outcrop and the SHARAD observations, as inferred from subsurface mapping. Although these complications have prevented a unique correlation, a genetic link between radar reflectors and visible layers has been confirmed, validating the assumption that radar reflectors can be used as geometric proxies for visible stratigraphy. Furthermore, the techniques for conducting a stratigraphic integration have been generalized and improved so that the integration can be undertaken at additional locations.     

Arecibo radar observations of Mars surface characteristics in the northern hemisphere

Mars surface characteristics at and near the Viking Chryse and Tritonis Lacus landing areas were determined by radio scatter using the new 12.6 cm radar at the Arecibo Observatory during 1975–1976. Interpretation of each power spectrum suggests rms surface tilts of 4° at the final A1WNW (47.9°W, 22.5°N) site, 5° near the original A1 site, and 6° between the two. At the back-up site (A2) surface roughness estimates were about 4°. Striking changes in surface texture have been found near the eastern bases of Tharsis Montes and Albor Tholus, each volcanic feature marking the western boundary of very smooth surface units. The roughness sensed at 1 to 100 m scales by radar appears to be relatively independent of the surface units defined at large scale lengths by photogeologists. Radar properties thus provide an additional means by which planetary surfaces may be characterized.     

Radar observations of asteroid 1998 ML14

Abstract— Goldstone and Arecibo delay‐Doppler radar imaging of asteroid 1998 ML 14 shortly after its discovery reveals a 1 km diameter spheroid with prominent topography on one side and subdued topography on the other. The object's radar and optical properties are typical for S‐class near‐Earth asteroids. The gravitational slopes of a shape model derived from the images and assumed to have a uniform density are shallow, exceeding 30° over only 4% of the surface. If 1998 ML14's density distribution is uniform, then its orbital environment is similar to a planetary body with a spheroidal gravitational field and is relatively stable. Integration of a radar‐refined orbit reveals that the 1998 apparition was the asteroid's closest approach to Earth since at least 1100 and until 2283, when it approaches to within 2.4 lunar distances. Outside of that time interval, orbit uncertainties based on the present set of observations preclude reliable prediction.     

Photometric imaging of Mars during the 1973 opposition

Images of Mars were obtained at 20 wavelengths between 0.35 and 1.10 μm during the 1973 opposition using the MIT MKIII silicon vidicon imaging system at the 88-in. telescope of the Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii. The observations covered a 3-hr interval on Day 2 of the 1973 Solis Lacus dust storm. At blue wavelengths two huge crescent-shaped anomalous brightenings surrounded the central dust storm in the early morning but faded during the morning; they were probably deposits of H₂O frost or low level haze that was degassed from the regolith in Solis Lacus. The north polar hood, which was nonsymmetrically oriented about the north pole, faded and receded during the observing period. Regions of known dust storm activity could be clearly distinguished, and the images revealed dust cloud activity in Chryse as well. Relative reflectance spectra generated from the images showed compositional variations within the Erythraeum M. dark area complex: Margaritifer S. and Eastern Erythraeum M. have similar ferrosilicate mineralogy, but have stronger ferrosilicate absorption bands than Pyrrhae R. and Eos. Western Erythraeum M. and northern Eos were contaminated by high albedo dust. Reflectance spectra obtained from orbit around Mars could provide higher spatial resolution and more complete coverage of the dark areas, yielding an opportunity to correlate geologic features with crustal petrology. An orbiting spectrometer could also provide spectra in the compositionally diagnostic wavelength range 1–4 μm, where the Earth's atmosphere contains intense absorption bands.     

Radar studies of the Martian surface at centimeter wavelengths: The 1975 opposition

The Goldstone radar system was operated at wavelengths of 3.5 and 12.6 cm to probe the Martian surface during the 1975 opposition. Regions studied in detail by range-Doppler techniques are Syrtis Major, Sinus Meridiani, and the crater Schiaparelli. Average rms slopes of 1.6° and 1.1° were measured in Syrtis Major at 3.5 and 12.6 cm, respectively, while the average reflectivity was 0.064 ± 0.02 at both wavelengths. No wavelength dependence of surface roughness was seen in Sinus Meridiani, where rms surface slopes averaged 1.8° and the reflectivity was 0.08 ± 0.02. The regions around Schiaparelli were probed at a 12.6-cm wavelength. The echo from the bottom of the crater was undetectable. Hence _ρ0C < 25, where _ρ0 is the reflectivity and C is the Hagfors roughness parameter. Operating at 3.5 cm during May and June of 1976, 149 continous-wave echo spectra were obtained near latitude 18°, sampling most longitudes including the early Viking landing sites A1 and A2. The average total radar cross section is 4.8% of the geometrical cross section. The diffuse component was estimated to be 1.9%, leaving 2.9% to the average quasi-specular component. The average rms slope is 4.1°. Six spectra obtained at site A1 indicate that rms slopes are 5 to 9° between latitudes 17 and 19°. Three spectra obtained at s site A2 indicate an rms slope of 3.9°.     

Surface slope probabilities from the spectra of weak radar echoes: Application to Mars

Slope probability densities were derived from the power spectra of radar echoes from Mars using integral inversion. The inverse problem is ill-posed; that is, small changes in the data can lead to large changes in the solution. We describe a method of stabilizing the inversion, which was necessary for echoes with signal-to-noise power spectral densities on the order of unity, and for those with broad spectral distributions. The resulting slope probabilities usually consisted of a component due to quasi-specular reflection which decreased rapidly with tilt, plus a broad, slowly decreasing, “diffuse” component due to scattering from (1) surface scales small compared with a radar wavelength, or (2) larger features with high slopes. In the absence of more complete polarization measurements, we are unable to In the absence of more complete polarization measurements, we are unable to distinguish between these possibilities. Root mean square tilts have been determined separately for the two cases. For case (1), values of rms tilt associated with surface features responsible for the quasi-specular echo are normally less than 3°; for case (2), values greater than 8° are common. Knowledge of the depolarization of radar returns would help distinguish between these possibilities.     

Scalloped depressions and small-sized polygons in western Utopia Planitia,Mars: A new formation hypothesis

Flat-floored depressions with scalloped-shapes and spatially associated small-sized polygons (diameter <～100 m) dot the landscape of western Utopia Planitia (centered at 45°N–95°E). The scalloped depressions are thought to be the result of ice-rich regolith undergoing degradation by sublimation or thaw. Current models suggest that the formation and development of the depressions occur in a poleward direction due to the enhanced sublimation of their equator-facing slopes. By contrast, we propose a conceptual model that shows the equatorward growth of depressions due to preferential degradation by sublimation of their pole-facing slopes. Our model is based on a geomorphological study of the depressions and small-sized polygons in western Utopia Planitia (80°–110°E, 35°–50°N), using images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) and topographical data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and a HiRISE stereo Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Here we describe (i) a morphological evolution of small-sized polygons within the depressions, from low-centered to high-centered, that facilitates one's understanding of depression growth and development; and (ii) occurrence of v-shaped alcoves, failure cracks and semicircular hollows that point to a retrogressive degradation of the pole-facing slopes of depressions. We propose that the development of the depressions is due to heightened insolation of their pole-facing slopes, leading to enhanced sublimation of ground-ice. Based upon the inferred asymmetric insolation, we suggest that the equatorward expansion of depressions occurred during recent high-obliquity periods of Mars.     

火星轨道器次表层探测雷达数据处理技术与现状研究

火星是人类重要的地外天体探测目标之一,对火星表面进行的探测和研究表明,火星表面曾经存在液态水,水是生命存在的基础,因此,在次表层寻找不同形式的水是目前火星探测的重要科学目标之一.近17年来,欧洲火星快车(Mars Express)上搭载的火星次表层和电离层探测先进雷达(Mars Advanced Radar for S...     

Mare serenitatis: a preliminary definition of surface units by remote observations

There are many surface units in Mare Serenitatis and in the adjacent Montes Haemus that can be defined by remote, Earth-based observations at visual, infrared, and radar wavelengths. These highland and mare surface units are obvious in color-difference photographs and in radar images, while the infrared images have little or no differences. These characteristics are consistent with units having definite chemical differences. However, a better definition of these surfaces requires the synthesis of many more data sets.Paper presented at the Lunar Science Institute Conference on Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration of the Moon and Planets, January 10–12, 1973.This paper presents the results of one phase of research carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under Contract No. NAS 7–100, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.