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Abstract We quantify the volume and distribution of water, cement, sediments, and fractured rocks within the Martian crust beneath NASA's InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy, and Heat Transport mission) lander by using rock physics models to interpret shear wave velocities (Vs) measured from InSight data. The models assume that Mars' crust comprises sediments and fractured rocks whose pores and fractures host variable combinations of gas, liquid water, and mineral cements. MeasuredVsin the upper crust (0–8 km) can be explained by layers of minimally (<2%) cemented sediments and gas‐filled fractured basalts. MeasuredVsin the deeper crust (8–20 km) can be explained by fractured basalts or more felsic igneous rocks (modeled here as 100% plagioclase feldspar) that is unfractured or has up to 23% porosity. Open pores in the deeper crust could host gas, liquid water, and up to 2% cement. ModeledVsare too low for a seismically detectable ice‐saturated cryosphere in the upper crust and temperatures are too high to freeze liquid water in the deeper crust. Notably, withVsalone, we are unable to distinguish between liquid water and gas within the pores.
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A Minimally Cemented Shallow Crust Beneath InSight
Abstract Ice and other mineral cements in Mars' shallow subsurface affect the mechanical properties of the shallow crust, the geologic processes that shape the planet's surface, and the search for past or extant Martian life. Cements increase seismic velocities. We use rock physics models to infer cement properties from seismic velocities. Model results confirm that the upper 300 m of Mars beneath InSight is most likely composed of sediments and fractured basalts. Grains within sediment layers are unlikely to be cemented by ice or other mineral cements. Hence, any existing cements are nodular or formed away from grain contacts. Fractures within the basalt layers could be filled with gas, 2% mineral cement and 98% gas, and no more than 20% ice. Thus, no ice‐ or liquid water‐saturated layers likely exist within the upper 300 m beneath InSight. Any past cement at grain contacts has likely been broken by impacts or marsquakes.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2136301
- PAR ID:
- 10372644
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.1029
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Volume:
- 49
- Issue:
- 15
- ISSN:
- 0094-8276
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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