| Title | Electromagnetic characterization of polar ice-wedge polygons: implications for periglacial studies on Mars and Earth
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| Author | Singleton, A C; Osinski, G R; Samson, C; Williamson, M -C; Holladay, S |
| Source | Exploring other worlds by exploring our own: the role of terrestrial analogue studies in planetary exploration; by Osinski, G (ed.); Banerjee, N (ed.); Soare, R (ed.); Williamson, M -C (ed.); Planetary
and Space Science vol. 58, no. 4, 2010 p. 472-481, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2009.09.013 |
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| Year | 2010 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20090453 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf |
| Area | World; Mars |
| Lat/Long WENS | -180.0000 180.0000 90.0000 -90.0000 |
| Subjects | extraterrestrial geology; surficial geology/geomorphology; ice wedges; ice-wedge polygons; massive ice; ground ice; e m surveys; geophysical surveys |
| Illustrations | photographs; plots |
| Released | 2010 03 01 |
| Abstract | Polygonal terrain is found in a variety of polar environments on Earth and Mars. As a result, many areas of northern Canada may represent ideal terrestrial analogues for specific regions of Mars -- in
particular the northern plains. In the Canadian Arctic, polygon troughs are commonly underlain by wedges of massive ice, with rare examples of other wedge types. If the same is true for Mars, this raises interesting implications for the processes
that concentrate H2O at the Martian poles. This study uses an electromagnetic induction sensor to investigate the electromagnetic characteristics of terrestrial polar ice-wedge polygons. Surveys were conducted in two regions of the Canadian Arctic
using a DUALEM-1S dual-geometry electromagnetic induction sensor, which measures electrical conductivity in the first 1.5--2 m of the subsurface. At locations where strong geomorphological evidence of ice was found, polygon troughs corresponded to
local conductive anomalies. Trenching confirmed the presence of ice wedges at one site and allowed ground-truthing and calibration of the geophysical data. Previously unknown bodies of massive ice were also identified through the use of this
geophysical technique. This study shows that an electromagnetic induction sounder is a useful instrument for detecting and mapping out the presence of subsurface ice in the Canadian Arctic. Taking together with its small size, portability and
ruggedness, we suggest that this would also be a useful instrument for any future missions to Mars' polar regions. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 261838 |
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