Modeling seismically-induced acoustic waves on Venus

Venus's extremely harsh surface temperature and pressure conditions pose serious technical challenges by preventing the use of traditional long duration seismic techniques to examine the planet's interior. The recording of atmospheric acoustic fluctuations by several appropriate remote-sensing techniques (balloon-based pressure measurements, satellite-based electron density measurements and radio occultations) has emerged as an alternative technique for in-situ seismic monitoring. However, while remote-sensing techniques are currently being investigated, our physical understanding of how seismically-induced waves propagate through the Venus's atmosphere remains understudied. The modeling of infrasound waves is therefore crucial to provide context for future seismic remote sensing measurements. We built a high-order modeling framework, accounting for attenuation, topography, winds and simultaneous seismic and acoustic wave propagation) to simulate the propagation of seismically-induced acoustic waves on Venus and create a catalog of atmospheric signatures from a wide variety of source mechanisms in order to define observational requirements. We provide quantitative estimates of the sensitivity of infrasound data on near-surface properties and source mechanisms. Results will pave the way for the proper assessment of seismic remote-sensing techniques for planetary exploration.