| 1. |
- Cockell, Charles S., et al.
(author)
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Subsurface scientific exploration of extraterrestrial environments (MINAR 5) : analogue science, technology and education in the Boulby Mine, UK
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Astrobiology. - : Cambridges Institutes Press. - 1473-5504 .- 1475-3006. ; 18:2, s. 157-182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The deep subsurface of other planetary bodies is of special interest for robotic and human exploration. The subsurface provides access to planetary interior processes, thus yielding insights into planetary formation and evolution. On Mars, the subsurface might harbour the most habitable conditions. In the context of human exploration, the subsurface can provide refugia for habitation from extreme surface conditions. We describe the fifth Mine Analogue Research (MINAR 5) programme at 1 km depth in the Boulby Mine, UK in collaboration with Spaceward Bound NASA and the Kalam Centre, India, to test instruments and methods for the robotic and human exploration of deep environments on the Moon and Mars. The geological context in Permian evaporites provides an analogue to evaporitic materials on other planetary bodies such as Mars. A wide range of sample acquisition instruments (NASA drills, Small Planetary Impulse Tool (SPLIT) robotic hammer, universal sampling bags), analytical instruments (Raman spectroscopy, Close-Up Imager, Minion DNA sequencing technology, methane stable isotope analysis, biomolecule and metabolic life detection instruments) and environmental monitoring equipment (passive air particle sampler, particle detectors and environmental monitoring equipment) was deployed in an integrated campaign. Investigations included studying the geochemical signatures of chloride and sulphate evaporitic minerals, testing methods for life detection and planetary protection around human-tended operations, and investigations on the radiation environment of the deep subsurface. The MINAR analogue activity occurs in an active mine, showing how the development of space exploration technology can be used to contribute to addressing immediate Earth-based challenges. During the campaign, in collaboration with European Space Agency (ESA), MINAR was used for astronaut familiarization with future exploration tools and techniques. The campaign was used to develop primary and secondary school and primary to secondary transition curriculum materials on-site during the campaign which was focused on a classroom extra vehicular activity simulation.
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| 2. |
- Filippov, Andrei, PhD, 1957-, et al.
(author)
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Unusual ion transport behaviour of ethylammonium nitrate mixed with lithium nitrate
- 2021
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In: Journal of Molecular Liquids. - : Elsevier. - 0167-7322 .- 1873-3166. ; 340
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The diffusivity of ions and ionic conductivity of ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) mixed with lithium nitrate (LiNO3) has been carried out as a function of Li-salt concentration and temperature. An unusual behavior of ion diffusivities and ionic conductivities of the mixtures are observed over a range of Li-salt concentration and temperature. The diffusivities of EA+ and Li+, as measured by pulsed-field gradient (PFG) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusometry, are found to be comparable in the lower temperature range. An overall decrease in the ion diffusivity is observed with an increase in the concentration of LiNO3. A lower degree of dissociation of ionic complexes in the presence lower concentration of the Li-salt (less than 6 mol. %) resulted in lower ionic conductivity. In the higher concentration range of Li-salt the Li+ diffusivity is monotonously decreased with an increase in the concentration. In the lower concentration range, the Li+ diffusivity exceeded the diffusivity of EA+ cation demonstrating the release of Li+ from the associates. Being enclosed between glass plates, the diffusivities of EA+ and Li+ showed peculiarities similar to the earlier observed results for neat nitrate ILs: accelerated diffusivity of cations and reversible alteration of diffusivities under the influence of strong static magnetic field.
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| 3. |
- Zafar, Waqar Ali, et al.
(author)
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Time series subsidence evaluation using NSBAS InSAR: a case study of twin megacities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) in Pakistan
- 2024
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In: Frontiers in Earth Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-6463. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ground deformation associated with natural and anthropogenic activities can be damaging for infrastructure and can cause enormous economic loss, particularly in developing countries which lack measuring instruments. Remote sensing techniques like interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) can thus play an important role in investigating deformation and mitigating geohazards. Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities in Pakistan with a population of approximately 5.4 million, along with important government and private entities of national and international interest. In this study, we evaluate rapid paced subsidence in this area using a modified small baseline subset technique with Sentinel-1A imagery acquired between 2015 and 2022. Our results show that approximately 50 mm/year subsidence occurs in the older city of Rawalpindi, the most populated zone. We observed that subsidence in the area is controlled by the buried splays of the Main Boundary Thrust, one of the most destructive active faults in the recent past. We suggest that such rapid subsidence is most probably due to aggressive subsurface water extraction. It has been found that, despite provision of alternate water supplies by the district government, a very alarming number of tube wells are being operated in the area to extract ground water. Over 2017–2021, field data showed that near-surface aquifers up to 50–60 m deep are exhausted, and most of the tube wells are currently extracting water from depths of approximately 150–160 m. The dropping water level is proportional to the increasing number of tube wells. Lying downstream of tributaries originating from the Margalla and Murree hills, this area has a good monsoon season, and its topography supports recharge of the aquifers. However, rapid subsidence indicates a deficit between water extraction and recharge, partly due to the limitations inherent in shale and the low porosity near the surface lithology exposed in the area. Other factors amplifying the impacts are fast urbanization, uncontrolled population growth, and non-cultivation of precipitation in the area.
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