Performances of ground penetrating radars in arid volcanic regions: Consequences for Mars subsurface exploration

Ph Paillou, G. Grandjean, J. M. Malézieux, G. Ruffié, E. Heggy, D. Piponnier, P. Dubois, J. Achache

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A GPR field experiment in the Republic of Djibouti provides evidence for every low radar penetration in arid volcanic materials, in the range 100-500 MHz. This phenomenon is attributed to the high iron oxide and evaporite concentration in soils, which significantly increases the conductivity, this leading to poor subsurface imaging performance. The geologic context in Djibouti is shown to provide a good terrestrial analogue to Mars geology. Results of this study show that the future sounding radar missions to Mars may not reach the penetration depths previously anticipated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)911-914
Number of pages4
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2001
Externally publishedYes

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