Integrating Near-Surface Geophysics and Planetary Science: The GEODES Project Provides a Blueprint for Multi-Scale and Multi-Technique Geophysical Exploration and Resource Identification Beyond Earth

Abstract:

Near-surface geophysical methods allow exploration of solar system bodies beyond Earth on local, regional, and global scales. Most of the available information about the compositions and physical properties of surface materials on non-terrestrial bodies derives from visible-wavelength images and multispectral reflectance / emission observations at UV through thermal infrared wavelengths, providing key synergies with geophysical data. Recently, near-surface geophysical surveys have gained traction as a means to relate those surface observations to subsurface properties and processes, and to identify resources that could facilitate future human presence and exploration. In this presentation, we discuss the GEODES project: a multi- and inter-disciplinary, multi-institution project to develop geophysical detection and exploration methods to characterize natural resources and enable in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) at selected target bodies, including Earth’s Moon and asteroids.

Non-terrestrial geophysical exploration presents challenges different from those faced on Earth, including the requirement for remote and automated surveys, extreme data volume restrictions, mobility challenges, and restricted landing sites. Looking forward to an era of increased remotely operated landed geophysical exploration, our work focuses on the following questions: Which geophysical methods are most effective for characterization of resource targets and what are the resolutions of these methods? What surveys should be done as part of site evaluation and in what order? How can we efficiently reduce uncertainties through application of diverse geophysical methods in integrated exploration surveys? What modeling approaches will make the best use geophysical data to maximize information?

We have adopted an "orbit to outcrop" approach by analyzing existing geophysical data, conducting geophysical exploration of field analog sites on Earth, and creating models that link these analog studies to the target bodies. Our work invites connections across AGU, with sections including cryosphere, tectonophysics, volcanology, seismology, surface processes, and informatics in addition to near-surface geophysics. Finally, this work also holds unlimited potential for education of new geoscientists.