Assessing the role of clay and salts on the origin of MARSIS basal bright reflections

• Published in: Earth and planetary science letters Vol. 579; p. 117370
• Main Authors: Mattei, Elisabetta, Pettinelli, Elena, Lauro, Sebastian Emanuel, Stillman, David E., Cosciotti, Barbara, Marinangeli, Lucia, Tangari, Anna Chiara, Soldovieri, Francesco, Orosei, Roberto, Caprarelli, Graziella
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2022
• Subjects: bright radar reflections; brines; clay; MARSIS; permittivity; salts; MARSIS; permittivity; brines; bright radar reflections; clay; salts

•Bright basal reflections have been detected by MARSIS at Ultimi Scopuli, Mars.•High permittivity contrast between the ice and the basal material is required.•Wet sediments or ponded water have been suggested as the cause of such reflections.•Hydrous minerals and salts are considered as possible alt...