New Method for Detecting Subsurface Features on Mars

News Summary

Researchers at Brown University have developed a groundbreaking technique for detecting subsurface features like buried glaciers on Mars, relying on the analysis of ejecta blankets from impact events. Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, this method could revolutionize planetary exploration by allowing scientists to gather information about materials beneath the surface without excavation. The findings may support future missions, such as the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft, set to launch in February 2026.

Providence, Rhode Island – Researchers at Brown University have announced a groundbreaking method for detecting subsurface features such as buried glaciers on Mars and other planetary bodies, without the need for direct excavation. This innovative approach hinges on the analysis of “ejecta blankets,” which are the layers of rock and material expelled during impact events, enabling scientists to glean information about materials lying beneath the surface.

The findings of this research were published on May 13 in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, depicting a significant advancement in planetary science. The study received support from prominent entities including NASA, the U.K. Space Agency, and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

This new method offers a novel perspective on craters, which have been a focal point for understanding subsurface conditions in planetary geology. The size of the ejecta blanket surrounding a crater can provide critical insights into the properties of the subsurface material, including factors such as strength and porosity. By examining these blankets, the research team can infer the type of material, thus revealing clues about buried structures.

Aleksandra Sokolowska led this study while serving as a postdoctoral researcher at Brown University before becoming a UKRI fellow at Imperial College London. She collaborated closely with Gareth Collins, also from Imperial College London, co-developing computer simulations that modeled the physics of planetary impacts. These simulations varied the characteristics of subsurface materials, including solid bedrock and glacial deposits, to investigate how these variables influence ejecta distribution from impact events.

As part of the research, the team conducted an analysis of two new impact craters on Mars, which was particularly impactful. The simulations predicted ejecta distribution based on the known subsurface conditions, including areas of bedrock and ice. Notably, a crater situated over subsurface ice yielded a significantly smaller ejecta blanket compared to one located over solid bedrock. This finding confirmed the model predictions and underscored the reliability of the new method.

The implications of this research are far-reaching. The new technique may prove essential for upcoming spacecraft missions, such as the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft, scheduled to launch in February 2026. Hera aims to delve deeper into the internal structure of the asteroid Dimorphos, and understanding subsurface features will be crucial to its objectives.

Once fully validated, the technique could serve as a powerful tool for future explorations of planetary surfaces from orbit. This may include utilizing the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to analyze terrains and identify subsurface features remotely.

Aleksandra Sokolowska is now focused on transforming this “proof-of-concept” into an operational tool that researchers can utilize for various planetary explorations. By creating methods to analyze subsurface materials effectively, the research team is paving the way for enhanced understanding of planetary geology, moving beyond surface observations to uncover hidden features that could reshape our knowledge of distant worlds.

In summary, the development of this new method reflects significant progress in planetary exploration, with the potential to unveil details about subsurface environments that were previously obscured. As space missions continue to evolve, the ability to analyze subsurface features using ejecta blankets will play a critical role in future discoveries about Mars and beyond.

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Additional Resources

• Boston Globe: Brown University Mars Surface Crater Research
• Wikipedia: Mars
• Mirage News: Martian Crater Rocks Unlock Subsurface Secrets
• Axios: Warner Music Group Buys Tempo Music
• Nature: New Research on Martian Craters
• Google Search: Subsurface Features on Mars