Mars Express science highlights and future plans

After 16 years in orbit Mars Express remains one of ESA&#8217;s most scientifically productive Solar System missions which publication record now approaches 1300 papers. Characterization of the geological processes on a local-to-regional scale by HRSC, OMEGA and partner experiments on NASA spacecraft has allowed constraining land-forming processes in space and time. Recent studies suggest geological evidence of a planet-wide groundwater system on Mars and surface clay formation during short-term warmer and wetter conditions on a largely cold ancient Mars. HRSC team released the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the MC-11 quadrangle and the Southern polar cap at 50 m/px resolution. Mars Express provided essential contribution to the selection of the Mars-2020 landing sites and supporting characterization of potential landing sites for Chinese Tianwen-1 mission. One-and-one-half decade of monitoring of atmospheric parameters such as temperature, dust loading, water vapor and ozone abundance, water ice and CO2 clouds distribution, collected by SPICAM, PFS, OMEGA, HRSC and VMC together with subsequent modeling have provided key contributions to our understanding of the Martian climate. In 2019 PFS confirmed observations of a methane abundance &#8220;spike&#8221; in the Gale crater observed in situ by the Curiosity Rover. Recent similar quasi-simultaneous observations were in disagreement, thus indicating that the methane &#8220;enigma&#8221; continues. This poses a significant challenge to both observers and modelers. The radio-science experiment MaRS revealed fine structure of the boundary layer which depth varies from 2 km in topographic lows to ~10 km over highlands. Observations of the ion escape during a complete solar cycle revealed that ion escape can be responsible for removal of about 10 mbar of the atmosphere over Mars&#8217; history. This implies existence of other, more effective, escape channels. The structure of the ionosphere derived from MARSIS and MaRS sounding was found to be significantly affected by the solar activity, dust loading in the lower atmosphere, and crustal magnetic field. The observations suggest that the sunlit ionosphere over the regions with strong crustal fields is denser and extends to higher altitudes as compared to the regions with no crustal anomalies. Ionospheric models aim at creating user-friendly data base of plasma parameters that would be of great service to the planetary community. Focused exploration of the Martian moons continues. The mission is notionally extended till the end of 2022. A science case for the mission extension till the end of 2025 has been submitted. The talk will give the Mars Express status, review the recent science highlights, and outline future plans including synergistic science with TGO.

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Mars Express Science Highlights and Future Plans

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-22390 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Dmitrij Titov ◽

Jean-Pierre Bibring ◽

Alejandro Cardesin ◽

Thomas Duxbury ◽

Francois Forget ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regional Scale ◽

Subsurface Water ◽

Geological Evidence ◽

Mars Express ◽

Geological Processes ◽

Ion Escape ◽

Landing Sites ◽

Clay Formation ◽

Future Plans

After 16 years in orbit Mars Express remains one of ESA&#8217;s most scientifically productive Solar System missions which publication record now exceeds 1270 papers. Characterization of the geological processes on a local-to-regional scale by HRSC, OMEGA and partner experiments on NASA spacecraft has allowed constraining land-forming processes in space and time. Recent studies suggest geological evidence of a planet-wide groundwater system on Mars and surface clay formation during short-term warmer and wetter conditions on a largely cold ancient Mars that might indicate a change in our understanding of early Mars climate. HRSC team released first set of multi-orbit Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the MC-11 quadrangle and the Southern polar cap with 50 m/px resolution. Mars Express observations and experimental teams provided essential contribution to the selection of the Mars-2020 landing sites and supporting characterization of potential landing sites for the Chinese HX-1 mission. Following recent discovery of subglacial liquid water underneath the Southern polar layered deposits the MARSIS radar continues searching for subsurface water pockets.One-and-half decade of monitoring of atmospheric parameters such as temperature, dust loading, water vapor and ozone abundance, water ice and CO2 clouds distribution, collected by SPICAM, PFS, OMEGA, HRSC and VMC together with subsequent modeling have provided key contributions to our understanding of the Martian climate. The observed ozone climatology demonstrate significant discrepancies with model predictions indicating the need for models improvement. In 2018 PFS confirmed observations of a methane abundance &#8220;spike&#8221; in the Gale crater observed in situ by the Curiosity Rover. Recent similar quasi-simultaneous observations were in disagreement, thus indicating that the methane &#8220;enigma&#8221; continues. This poses a significant challenge to both observers and modelers. The radio-science experiment MaRS revealed fine structure of the boundary layer. Its depth varies from 2 km in topographic lows to ~10 km over highlands.Observations of the ion escape during complete solar cycle revealed that ion escape can be responsible for removal of about 10 mbar over Mars history that implies existence of other more effective escape channels.&#160;&#160;The structure of the ionosphere derived from MARSIS and MaRS sounding was found to be significantly affected by the solar activity, the crustal magnetic field. The observations suggest that the sunlit ionosphere over the regions with strong crustal fields is denser and extends to higher altitudes as compared to the regions with no crustal anomalies. Expansion of the ionosphere was also observed during the global dust storm. Ionospheric models aim at creating user-friendly data base of plasma parameters that would be of great service to the planetary community.The &#8220;gyroless&#8221; attitude control and operations mode of the spacecraft operates flawlessly since April 2018. Aging batteries impose more and more limitations on science operations during eclipse seasons. The mission is now confirmed till the end of 2020 and notionally extended till the end of 2022. The talk will give the Mars Express status, review the recent science highlights, and outline future plans including synergistic science with TGO.

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Mars Express science highlights and future plans

10.5194/epsc2021-158 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dmitrij Titov ◽

Jean-Pierre Bibring ◽

Alejandro Cardesin ◽

John Carter ◽

Tom Duxbury ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Water Vapor ◽

Radio Occultation ◽

Dynamic Pressure ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Uv Spectra ◽

Radio Link ◽

Atmospheric Parameters ◽

Transient Phenomena ◽

Mars Express ◽

Future Plans

After 17 years in orbit Mars Express remains one of ESA&#8217;s most scientifically productive Solar System missions which publication record exceeds 1350 papers. Characterization of the surface geology on a local-to-regional scale by HRSC, OMEGA and partner experiments on NASA spacecraft has allowed constraining land-forming processes in space and time. Recent studies characterized the geology of Jezero crater in great detail and provided Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of several equatorial regions at 50 m/px resolution. New maps and catalogues of surface minerals with 200 m/px resolution were released. MARSIS radar published new observations and analysis of the multiple subglacial water bodies underneath the Southern polar cap. Modelling suggested that the &#8220;ponds&#8221; can be composed of hypersaline perchlorate brines.Spectrometers and imagers SPICAM, PFS, OMEGA, HRSC and VMC continued amending the longest record of atmospheric parameters such as temperature, dust content, water vapor and ozone abundance, water ice and CO2 clouds distribution and observing transient phenomena. More than 27,000 ozone profiles derived from SPICAM UV spectra obtained in MY#26 through MY#28 were assimilated in the OpenMARS database. Observed anti-correlation of ozone and water vapor abundance revealed a strong chemical coupling between these two species. A new &#8220;scan&#8221; mode of the spacecraft was designed and implemented to investigate diurnal variations of the atmospheric parameters. Observations of the atmospheric parameters and their local time variations above Tharsis region and Hellas basin contribute to mesoscale meteorology. Imaging revealed the properties of the elongated orographic cloud at Arsia Mons and other topography highs.ASPERA measurements together with MAVEN &#8220;deep dip&#8221; data enabled assessment of the conditions that lead to the formation of the dayside ionopause in the regions with and without strong crustal magnetic fields suggesting that the ionopause occurs where the total ionospheric pressure (magnetic + thermal) equals the upstream solar wind dynamic pressure. First results of active sounding of the local plasma by ASPERA detecting ions accelerated by the MARSIS radar pulses appears promising in the study of plasma composition.&#160;In 2020-2021 Mars Express successfully performed two types of novel observations. In egress-only radio-occultations a two-way radio link was locked at a tangent altitude of about 50 km. This is well below the ionospheric peak and in future would allow perfect sounding of the entire ionosphere thus doubling the number of ionospheric soundings. MEX and TGO performed several UHF radio-occultation tests in preparation for the dual-spacecraft radio-occultation sounding. &#160;&#160;&#160;Mars Express is extended till the end of 2022. A science case for the mission extension in 2023-2025 will be submitted by the end of 2021. The talk will give the Mars Express status, review the recent science highlights, and outline future plans including synergistic science with TGO.

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Mars Express science highlights and future plans

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-12956 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dmitrij Titov ◽

Jean-Pierre Bibring ◽

Alejandro Cardesin ◽

John Carter ◽

Thomas Duxbury ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Pressure ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Uv Spectra ◽

Radio Link ◽

Atmospheric Parameters ◽

Mesoscale Meteorology ◽

Transient Phenomena ◽

Mars Express ◽

Water Ice ◽

Future Plans

After 17 years in orbit Mars Express remains one of ESA&#8217;s most scientifically productive Solar System missions which publication record exceeds 1300 papers. Characterization of the surface geology on a local-to-regional scale by HRSC, OMEGA and partner experiments on NASA spacecraft has allowed constraining land-forming processes in space and time. Recent studies characterized the geology of Jezero crater in great detail and provided Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of several equatorial regions at 50 m/px resolution. New maps and catalogues of surface minerals with 200 m/px resolution were released. MARSIS radar published new observations and analysis of the multiple subglacial water bodies underneath the Southern polar cap. Modelling suggested that the &#8220;ponds&#8221; can be composed of hypersaline perchlorate brines.Spectrometers and imagers SPICAM, PFS, OMEGA, HRSC and VMC continued amending the longest record of atmospheric parameters such as temperature, dust loading, water vapor and ozone abundance, water ice and CO2 clouds distribution and observing transient phenomena. More than 27,000 ozone profiles derived from SPICAM UV spectra obtained in MY#26 through MY#28 were assimilated in the OpenMARS database. A new &#8220;scan&#8221; mode of the spacecraft was designed and implemented to investigate diurnal variations of the atmospheric parameters. Observations of Tharsis region and Hellas basin contribute to mesoscale meteorology.ASPERA measurements together with MAVEN &#8220;deep dip&#8221; data enabled assessment of the conditions that lead to the formation of the dayside ionopause in the regions with and without strong crustal magnetic fields suggesting that the ionopause occurs where the total ionospheric pressure (magnetic + thermal) equals the upstream solar wind dynamic pressure.In 2020 Mars Express successfully performed two types of novel observations. In egress-only radio-occultations a two-way radio link was locked at a tangent altitude of about 50 km. This is well below the ionospheric peak and would allow perfect sounding of the entire ionosphere thus doubling the number of ionospheric soundings. MEX and TGO performed several test UHF occultations. The dual-spacecraft radio-occultation technique would significantly enhance the missions&#8217; capabilities in atmospheric sounding.&#160;&#160;Mars Express is extended till the end of 2022. A science case for the mission extension till the end of 2025 will be developed and submitted by summer 2021. The talk will give the Mars Express status, review the recent science highlights, and outline future plans including synergistic science with TGO.

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Mars Under Primordial Solar Wind Conditions: Mars Express Observations of the Strongest CME Detected at Mars Under Solar Cycle #24 and its Impact on Atmospheric Ion Escape

Geophysical Research Letters ◽

10.1002/2017gl075446 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (21) ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Robin Ramstad ◽

Stas Barabash ◽

Yoshifumi Futaana ◽

Masatoshi Yamauchi ◽

Hans Nilsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Solar Wind ◽

Solar Cycle ◽

Mars Express ◽

Ion Escape ◽

Solar Cycle 24 ◽

Cycle 24

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Establishing a systematic regional scale identification of artificial ground in Catalan territory from geological perspective

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-7961 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Guillem Subiela ◽

Jordi Peña ◽

Fus Micheo ◽

Miquel Vilà

Keyword(s):

Regional Scale ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Medium Term ◽

Related Information ◽

Reference Information ◽

Geological Processes ◽

Digital Elevation ◽

Natural Terrain ◽

Systematic Identification ◽

Physical And Chemical

Anthropization is the transformation that human actions exert on the environment. Artificial interventions modify the morphology of the ground and affect physical and chemical properties of natural terrain. Therefore, providing information on the distribution of artificial ground throughout the territory is necessary for land management, development and sustainability. Despite the effects of anthropization, from a geological approach, the systematic characterization of anthropic ground on a regional scale is scarcely developed in Catalonia.In the last decade, one of the lines of work of Institut Cartogr&#224;fic i Geol&#242;gic de Catalunya (the Catalan geological survey organisation) has been the development of the project Geoanthropic map of Catalonia, which incorporate information of active geological processes and artificial ground. Up to now, the activity in this project has broadly consisted of publishing several map sheets of 1:25.000 scale from different areas of Catalonia (5.000 km2 from 32.108,2 km2). Recently, in the framework of this project, it is proposed to refocus with the purpose of &#8203;&#8203;providing information on these two themes from all over the territory. In this process, in relation to artificial interventions, an analysis has been carried out to determine which anthropic terrains and related information can be obtained for its usefulness in a systematic way in the medium term.In this analysis, firstly, the available reference information sources have been established from which information on anthropic lands in Catalonia can be extracted. Basically, these documents are topographic maps, geothematic maps, land use map, digital elevation models and other historical cartographic documents. Much of the existing information in these sources must be redirected to a more geological approach so that it can be used to address aspects related to geotechnics, natural hazards, soil pollution and other environmental concerns.Secondly, based on data analysis, a series of certain anthropic lands have been evaluated which can be captured on a systematic identification at regional scale. Thereby, the following anthropogenic terrains have been established: built-up areas, agricultural areas, sealed ground, urban compacity, worked grounds (e.g., related to mineral excavations and transport infrastructures), engineered embankments, infilled excavations and other more singular anthropogenic deposits. Therefore, from a geological perspective, it will be feasible to identify and map these anthropic lands and provide this information throughout the Catalan territory in the medium term.Bearing in mind all the above, the presentation will consist of this general analysis and the considerations that have been extracted regarding this. In addition, the preliminary results of the systematically characterized artificial ground will be shown.

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Landscape Biodiversity Characterization in Ecoregion 29 Using MODIS

Geographic Information Systems ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-2038-4.ch050 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 815-831

Author(s):

Nitin Kumar Tripathi ◽

Aung Phey Khant

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Remote Sensing ◽

Global Warming ◽

Forest Type ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Remote Sensing Data ◽

Modis Data ◽

Moderate Resolution ◽

Landscape Biodiversity

Biodiversity conservation is a challenging task due to ever growing impact of global warming and climate change. The chapter discusses various aspects of biodiversity parameters that can be estimated using remote sensing data. Moderate resolution satellite (MODIS) data was used to demonstrate the biodiversity characterization of Ecoregion 29. Forest type map linked to density of the study area was also developed by MODIS data. The outcome states that remote sensing and geographic information systems can be used in combination to derive various parameters related to biodiversity surveillance at a regional scale.

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Characterization of Surface Evidence of Groundwater Flow Systems in Continental Mexico

Water ◽

10.3390/w12092459 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 2459

Author(s):

Alessia Kachadourian-Marras ◽

Margarita M. Alconada-Magliano ◽

José Joel Carrillo-Rivera ◽

Edgar Mendoza ◽

Felipe Herrerías-Azcue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Groundwater Flow ◽

Water Cycle ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Ground Surface ◽

The Public ◽

Groundwater Flow Systems ◽

Human Needs ◽

Flow Systems ◽

Vegetation And Climate

The dynamics of the underground part of the water cycle greatly influence the features and characteristics of the Earth’s surface. Using Tóth’s theory of groundwater flow systems, surface indicators in Mexico were analyzed to understand the systemic connection between groundwater and the geological framework, relief, soil, water bodies, vegetation, and climate. Recharge and discharge zones of regional groundwater flow systems were identified from evidence on the ground surface. A systematic hydrogeological analysis was made of regional surface indicators, published in official, freely accessible cartographic information at scales of 1:250,000 and 1:1,000,000. From this analysis, six maps of Mexico were generated, titled “Permanent water on the surface”, “Groundwater depth”, “Hydrogeological association of soils”, “Hydrogeological association of vegetation and land use”, “Hydrogeological association of topoforms”, and “Superficial evidence of the presence of groundwater flow systems”. Mexico’s hydrogeological features were produced. The results show that 30% of Mexico is considered to be discharge zones of groundwater flow systems (regional, intermediate, and recharge). Natural recharge processes occur naturally in 57% of the country. This work is the first holistic analysis of groundwater in Mexico carried out at a national–regional scale using only the official information available to the public. These results can be used as the basis for more detailed studies on groundwater and its interaction with the environment, as well as for the development of integrative planning tools to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and satisfy human needs.

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Advanced radar-interpretation of InSAR time series for mapping and characterization of geological processes

Natural Hazards and Earth System Science ◽

10.5194/nhess-11-865-2011 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 865-881 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

Author(s):

F. Cigna ◽

C. Del Ventisette ◽

V. Liguori ◽

N. Casagli

Keyword(s):

Time Series ◽

Field Surveys ◽

Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry ◽

Geological Processes ◽

Multi Temporal ◽

Under Sampling ◽

Temporal Measures

Abstract. We present a new post-processing methodology for the analysis of InSAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry) multi-temporal measures, based on the temporal under-sampling of displacement time series, the identification of potential changes occurring during the monitoring period and, eventually, the classification of different deformation behaviours. The potentials of this approach for the analysis of geological processes were tested on the case study of Naro (Italy), specifically selected due to its geological setting and related ground instability of unknown causes that occurred in February 2005. The time series analysis of past (ERS1/2 descending data; 1992–2000) and current (RADARSAT-1 ascending data; 2003–2007) ground movements highlighted significant displacement rates (up to 6 mm yr−1) in 2003–2007, followed by a post-event stabilization. The deformational behaviours of instable areas involved in the 2005 event were also detected, clarifying typology and kinematics of ground instability. The urban sectors affected and unaffected by the event were finally mapped, consequently re-defining and enlarging the influenced area previously detected by field observations. Through the integration of InSAR data and conventional field surveys (i.e. geological, geomorphologic and geostructural campaigns), the causes of instability were finally attributed to tectonics.

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