Using Impactors for Active Seismic Investigation of the Interior of Mars with a Single Seismic Station
Abstract
A mission feasibility study to determine the interior structure of Mars with an active seismic experiment has demonstrated that a single lander with a seismometer placed on Mars and recording signals from several high-energy impactors that strike the planet in different locations can provide valuable information on the interior structure on Mars. A seismic sensitivity analysis was conducted, simulating seismic wave propagation through generic Martian interior models, and using a range of impact seismic efficiency factors and a variety of candidate seismometers. Both regional (~100km) and planet-scale seismic studies were simulated. More than any other factor, the scientific success of the concept depends on the correct assessment of the impact’s seismic efficiency. Our calculations show that a 500Kg projectile, hitting the planet at 5km/s with seismic efficiency of 10-3, will likely be observed at a distance of 50° away from the impact. This concept demonstrates that an active impact experiment could provide additional operational value to Mars seismometry missions.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AGUFM.U51B0045W
- Keywords:
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- 5400 PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLID SURFACE PLANETS;
- 7200 SEISMOLOGY