Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Investigation on Mars

• Published in: Earth, moon, and planets Vol. 118; no. 2-3; pp. 103 - 115
• Main Authors: Kozakiewicz, Joanna, Kulak, Andrzej, Kubisz, Jerzy, Zietara, Krzysztof
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-11-2016; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Astronomy; Astrophysics and Astroparticles; Atmosphere; Atmospheric composition; Electromagnetics; Extremely low frequencies; Ionosphere; Mars; Mars (planet); Observations and Techniques; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Planetary atmospheres; Planetology; Planets; Radio astronomy; Radio waves; Recording; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Space weather; Wave propagation; Radio waves; Mars; Electromagnetic exploration; Schumann resonance
• ISSN: 0167-9295; 1573-0794
• DOI: 10.1007/s11038-016-9493-2

Natural electromagnetic (EM) signals of extremely low frequencies (ELF, 3 Hz–3 kHz) can be used to study many of the electromagnetic processes and properties occurring in the Martian environment. Sources of these signals, related to electrical activity in the atmosphere, are very significant since they can influence radio wave propagation on the planet, the atmospheric composition, and the ionospheric structure. In addition, such EM signals can be employed in many purposes such as: surveying the subsurface of Mars or studying the impact of the space weather on the Martian ionosphere. As ELF waves propagate on very long distances, it is possible to explore properties of the entire planet using single-station recordings. In this study, we propose an experiment that allows measuring ELF signals from the Martian surface. Such measurements can be used for detection of electric discharges in the atmosphere and water reservoirs in the planetary subsurface.