What lies beneath the surface of Mars? Advanced Numerical Modelling and Data Intensive Processing for Large and Complex Ground Penetrating Radar Data (Ref: NUDATA24-R/EE/MCE/WARREN)

Overview of the CDT

This project is being offered as part of the STFC Centre for Doctoral Training in Data Intensive Science, called NUdata, which is a collaboration between Northumbria and Newcastle Universities, STFC, and a portfolio of over 40 industrial partners, including SMEs, large/multinational companies, Government and not-for profit organisations, and international humanitarian organisations. Please visit https://research.northumbria.ac.uk/nudata/ for full information.

Project Description

Planetary subsurface exploration is a rapidly growing international scientific endeavour and a key part of the UK’s Space Science Programme. The primary tool for surface and subsurface planetary exploration is the autonomous instrumented rover, with 3 currently active on Mars - Curiosity (NASA, 2012), Perseverance (NASA, 2021), and Zhurong (CNSA, 2021) - and Rosalind Franklin (ESA) to deploy in 2028. The operational lifespan and distances surveyed by the rovers mean that large volumes of scientific data are being generated, e.g. Opportunity (NASA, 2003) holds the record for the longest distance driven on another planet (45km).

The most recently deployed (and planned) Mars rovers include Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) as part of their scientific instrumentation. GPR is well-suited for imaging the subsurface of Mars because it provides high resolution continuous measurements, and can operate in dry, low-conductivity environments with minimum operational input. It is capable of accurately mapping the dielectric properties of the Martian subsurface up to depths of tens of metres, which can then be used to infer mineralogical and mechanical properties and reveal the both the stratigraphy and structure of the area.

Vast quantities (tens of kilometres) of GPR data are being generated by Perseverance, and similar data are expected from the GPR on Rosalind Franklin. Current GPR data processing techniques are inadequate for two key reasons: 1) they are based on a conventional workflow, i.e. time-varying gain, background removal, and simplistic hyperbola fitting, which is not suitable for the unique Martian subsurface environment; and 2) they do not provide automated interpretation at scales to manage the large volume of GPR data being acquired.

The fundamental aim of this project is to develop a new generation of open-source numerical modelling and data intensive processing tools for planetary GPR surveying. This will enable new knowledge of subsurface material properties and structures, such as the detection of liquid water on Mars, the study of habitability in Martian caves, and allow planning for the construction of future planetary infrastructure. The project will develop and utilise gprMax (http://www.gprmax.com/), which is open-source EM modelling software already used by the RIMFAX project team (NASA) and China National Space Administration (CNSA) for Mars and Lunar GPR investigations. The research will focus on large volume, multi-offset GPR data and amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis, as well as the development of an EM digital twin of the GPR/lander system which will allow its characteristics and performance to be investigated, and be a significant step forward for model-based processing.

The project is multi-disciplinary involving planetary science, research software engineering, machine learning, high-performance computing, geophysics, and electrical engineering.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Dr Craig Warren. For informal queries, contact [Email Address Removed]. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process contact Admissions at [Email Address Removed]. 

You will join a strong and supportive research team. The very best way to get a taste of this is to come and visit the Research Group in person, meet your fellow PhD students, and meet the PhD supervisors. We have funding to support all UK National applicants who wish to visit the research group (with funding to fully cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs). Please contact Head of Group Professor James McLaughlin [Email Address Removed] if you are interested in visiting the Group, and we can arrange travel arrangement (and cover these costs). Also feel free to contact individual PhD supervisors if this is better for you.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above);
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student. 

For further details on how to apply see

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/  

You must include the relevant advert reference (e.g. NUDATA24-R/…) in your application.

If you are interested in more than one of the Northumbria-hosted NUdata research projects, then you can say this in the cover letter of your application and you can rank all the projects you are interested in (e.g. first choice, second choice, third choice). You are strongly encouraged to do this, since some projects are more popular than others. You only need to submit one application even if you are interested in multiple projects (we recommend you submit your application to your first choice).

Deadline for applications: 2nd June 2024

Start date of course:  23rd September 2024

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.