INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF MARS Raquel Chicharro Fuertes Mster

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INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF MARS Raquel Chicharro Fuertes Máster interuniversitario de Astrofísica Física del Sistema

INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF MARS Raquel Chicharro Fuertes Máster interuniversitario de Astrofísica Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 05/12/2020

Overview 1. Introduction 2. Empirical Data 3. Theoretical Seismic Models 4. Internal Structure of

Overview 1. Introduction 2. Empirical Data 3. Theoretical Seismic Models 4. Internal Structure of Mars 5. References Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 2 05/12/2020

1. Introduction How do we know about the internal structure of a planet? SEISMOLOGY

1. Introduction How do we know about the internal structure of a planet? SEISMOLOGY AS A KEY!! u Lack of seismic data. u The interior of Mars remains unconstrained. u Only 4 geophysical numbers are available and mineralogy. Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 3 05/12/2020

2. Empirical Data Mass, Size, Surface Pressure and T. Precession rate, Variation in rotation

2. Empirical Data Mass, Size, Surface Pressure and T. Precession rate, Variation in rotation rate, H, g. Obtained from orbital space mission and from earthbound monitoring data. Seismological network missions are required in order to understand the interior of Mars!! Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 4 05/12/2020

Not enough data for resolving… Ambiguities regarding size and state of the core. Possible

Not enough data for resolving… Ambiguities regarding size and state of the core. Possible presence of a solid inner core. Thermal and minerological composition of the mantle. Knowledge of martian crust is very poor, due to the uncertainties in the mean density of the crust. Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 5 05/12/2020

3. Theoretical Seismic Models Lognoné et al. 2011 • The content of Hydrogen in

3. Theoretical Seismic Models Lognoné et al. 2011 • The content of Hydrogen in the core is not constrained!! • According to geophysical and geodesic models, the H content seems to be important. • The core radius depends on the model!! Be aware by this fact. • Liquid Core? Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 6 05/12/2020

Mantle and Core of Mars Lognoné et al. 2011 • Density and Velocity Profiles

Mantle and Core of Mars Lognoné et al. 2011 • Density and Velocity Profiles expected from different models. The iron content in the mantle makes the profile quite different!! Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 7 05/12/2020

4. Internal Structure of Mars A solid earth-like core is preferred by models but

4. Internal Structure of Mars A solid earth-like core is preferred by models but still unknown! The core seems to have an important content in H as well as in light elements. The iron content in the mantle makes a difference to be taken into account! Future geophysical missions are key in order to understand the internal structure of Mars. Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 8 05/12/2020

5. References Verhoeven et al. 2004, Journal of Geophysical Research. Mocquet et al. 1995,

5. References Verhoeven et al. 2004, Journal of Geophysical Research. Mocquet et al. 1995, Planet Space Science. Lognononé et al. 2011. Planetary Sesismology. Física del Sistema Solar 2011 -2012 9 05/12/2020