Producing 3D radargrams from orbital radar sounding data at Mars: History, results, methods, lessons and plans

Abstract

The Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument aboard Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has been conducting sounding operations of Mars' near surface for more than 16 years. Results of the SHARAD investigation have been well documented in the literature, with relatively high coverage density in the polar regions leading to some of the earliest scientific discoveries there. Data collection and ensuing surprises of SHARAD's primary and first extended science phases were the impetus for choosing the north polar region for producing a first 3D radar image. This early attempt was successful, producing the first 3D radar image of Mars' north polar layered deposits in Planum Boreum, and shortly thereafter a companion 3D radar image of the south polar layered deposits in Planum Australe. Subsequent work refined the 3D methodology used to produce these images, leading to a significantly higher quality 3D image of the former as well as the first 3D radar image of the debris-covered glaciers in the east-central portion of Deuteronilus Mensae (DM) in the mid-latitudes. Prior experience in terrestrial seismic data processing and analysis methods forms the basis of the 3D methodology used with Martian radar data, and has been indispensable in ongoing efforts to improve this methodology to further clarify the 3D images of the targets. The purposes of this article are to review 1) the SHARAD 3D work history and results, 2) the methodology developed and challenges encountered thus far in producing the SHARAD 3D images, 3) the broader impact on the processing and analysis of SHARAD data, and 4) current efforts and plans for producing follow-on SHARAD 3D images. Similarities and differences between orbital radar and seismic sounding and data processing are sprinkled throughout the article as reminders that the outcomes in this case are very much the product of cross-disciplinary knowledge and experience.