Seismic analysis of Mars using gravitational potential stresses - InSight
Lisa De Backer (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
Bart Root – Mentor
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Abstract
The 26th of November 2018, NASA's InSight mission successfully landed on Mars. InSight has a seismometer on board with as main science goal to determine the current level of seismic activity and the impact rate of meteorites on Mars. To process the incoming data of InSight as fast and efficient as possible, a-priori models of seismicity on Mars are needed. This thesis work consists out of making such models by using gravitational potential theory. Multiple interior density models of mars (crust and upper mantle) are created by use of isostatic assumptions, the Bouguer gravity or derived from literature. For each model, gravitational potential stresses are calculated which can be compared to the yield stress of the Martian lithosphere. Conclusions about the most likely sources of seismicity of Mars for varying interior density models are made.