Estimating the lithospheric magnetization of Earth and Mars using satellite magnetic data

• Applicants: Dr. Matthias Grott; Dr. Monika Korte, since 9/2015
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: from 2010 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 170151416

We propose a detailed study of the lithospheric magnetic fields of the Earth and Mars. For the Earth, the main source of data is provided by the German CHAMP satellite which, with its currently lower altitudes, is particularly well suited for lithospheric studies. For Mars, satellite data is provided by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft (MGS). In a first step, models of the lithospheric magnetic field of the Earth are derived after a careful data selection and treatment of noise in the magnetic data. New localized and global modelling techniques will be developed, including new regularizations, thus enhancing the robustness of the models. In parallel, magnetic field maps for Mars will be derived from MGS data using standard methods. The newly developed modelling techniques will then also be applied to Mars. The resulting models will be compared. In a second step, a map of the Martian magnetization will be derived from the obtained magnetic field model and magnetic features will be selected for interpretation. Magnetization of these features will then be modeled to better understand magnetic and magmatic processes in the Martian interior.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1488: Planetary Magnetism (PlanetMag)
• International Connection: France
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Tilman Spohn; Dr. Erwan Thébault; Dr. Mark Wieczorek
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Vincent Lesur, Ph.D., until 8/2015