Calculation of dielectric constant, loss property and scattering characteristics from the future martian GPR data

Abstract

In 2021, the Perseverance rover and the Zhurong rover, both of which carry GPRs (Ground-penetrating radars), commenced their operations on martian soil to explore the shallow structure of the Jezero crater and the Utopia Plain, respectively. These instruments are designed to reveal the shallow structure of the landing zones and map the distribution of subsurface water ice. How to recognize the target layer, especially the water ice layer from the GPR data, is essential to the success of the missions. Reliable data interpretation and target recognition rely on the understanding of the properties and attributes of the measured materials. This study has developed estimation methods for three key material properties using martian GPR data: the dielectric constant, loss property and scattering characteristics. The reliability of the methods is validated by typical numerical and physical models of martian terrains. The proposed methods will help with a correct interpretation of future martian GPR data.