New Views of the Internal Structure of Planum Boreum from Enhanced 3D Imaging of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Shallow Radar Data

Abstract We present first results from a new 3D radargram produced 3399 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Shallow Radar observations of the north polar region Mars. While incorporating an additional 5 yr relative to prior radargram, we employed surface-clutter simulations improve coregistration input data and thereby enhance effective vertical resolution features. Combining those improvements with geometric corrections increase in signal-to-noise ratio afforded by imaging process, this product provides details about interior Planum Boreum, Martian cap. assess overall characteristics compare portions studies that used either or sets 2D radargrams individual MRO orbits. find has recovered essentially all inherent data, increased coverage density substantially reduced artifacts while enabling much greater detail subsurface layering structures. These extend throughout basal units shallowest out into surrounding plains. Subsurface features such as buried chasma, other structures unconformities, trough-bounding surfaces offset shallow are now visible unprecedented detail. A thorough analysis its implications for geologic climate history Boreum will over many years.