Temporal variation and frequency dependence of ambient noise on Mars
from polarization analysis
Abstract
We applied a polarization analysis of InSight seismic data to estimate
temporal variation and frequency dependence of the Martian ambient noise
field. An autocorrelation analysis suggests that a lithological boundary
beneath the seismometer influences ambient noise characteristics.
High-frequency (4–8 Hz) P-waves show a diurnal variation in the
dominant back-azimuth that appears to be related to wind and direction
of sunlight in a distant area. High-frequency Rayleigh waves (4–8 Hz)
also show diurnal variation and a dominant back-azimuth related to wind
direction in a nearby area. Rayleigh waves of <2 Hz show
diurnal variations. However, the dominant back-azimuths of P-waves of
<4 Hz and Rayleigh waves of 2–4 Hz are constant. Therefore,
the higher frequency signal could be derived mainly from wind. These
results point to the presence of several ambient noise sources as well
as site amplification effects related to geologic structure at the
InSight landing site.