Abstract
Temporal changes of S-wave velocities at shallow depth on Mars are
derived using seismic data from the InSight mission. Autocorrelation
functions are computed for three-component seismic recordings to
retrieve zero-offset reflection seismograms. Observed S-wave reflection
phase with two-way travel time of ~1.2 s and its
multiples indicate an interface at ~200 m depth. Daily
relative travel time changes (dt/t) with ~5% variations
are correlated well with the surface temperature. A top
~1m-thick regolith layer produces a delay of about one
Martian day between the dt/t and surface temperature. Assuming the
travel time changes are produced primarily in the top
~18 m sand layer, the daily velocity variations in that
layer are ~40%. The dominant mechanisms driving the
changes are thermoelastic strain in the shallow structure generating the
time delays and possible material failures in the regolith layer.