Simulation of Martian Near-Surface Structure and Imaging of Future GPR Data From Mars

Abstract

Three upcoming Martian missions will deploy a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to reveal the fine-resolution subsurface structure and dielectric properties of materials beneath the surface. Numerical forward simulations of radar echo using a model of the near-surface structure at the landing site can provide a valuable reference for processing and interpretation of future radar data collected on Mars. In this study, based on the geological information of the Jezero crater, a detailed stratigraphic model of the near-surface structure is derived, which includes several key features, for example, the randomness of the medium, terrain, and cracks. To identify correctly the reflections of subsurface interfaces and fractures from the radar image, a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$v(z$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) f-k migration is carried out, the performance of which is evaluated using the GPR data obtained near Antarctic Zhongshan Station since the electrical properties of Antarctic glaciers and Martian materials are to some extent comparable. The results in this work show that compared with common migration algorithm, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$v(z$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) f-k method not only improves the clarity of radar image but also provides the permittivity profiles to infer the composition of the substrate, leading to a better understanding of Martian near-surface geology.