Martian methane plume models for defining Mars rover methane source search strategies. Issue 3 (19th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicol, Christopher; Ellery, Alex; Lynch, Brian; Cloutis, Ed; de Croon, Guido
• Is Part Of: International journal of astrobiology. Volume 17:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2018-02-19
• Subjects: Chemical source localization, -- gradient-descent algorithms, -- Mars methane, -- plume dynamics, -- source localization; Exobiology -- Periodicals; 576.83905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1473550418000046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5504

Abstract

Abstract: The detection of atmospheric methane on Mars implies an active methane source. This introduces the possibility of a biotic source with the implied need to determine whether the methane is indeed biotic in nature or geologically generated. There is a clear need for robotic algorithms which are capable of manoeuvring a rover through a methane plume on Mars to locate its source. We explore aspects of Mars methane plume modelling to reveal complex dynamics characterized by advection and diffusion. A statistical analysis of the plume model has been performed and compared to analyses of terrestrial plume models. Finally, we consider a robotic search strategy to find a methane plume source. We find that gradient-based techniques are ineffective, but that more sophisticated model-based search strategies are unlikely to be available in near-term rover missions.