Inferring the Shallow Layered Structure at the Chang'E-4 Landing Site: A Novel Interpretation Approach Using Lunar Penetrating Radar

The current paper investigates the shallow layers of the lunar regolith at the Chang'E-4 landing site. Four layers between 0 and 10 m were identified using lunar penetrating radar. Based on these outputs, a revised stratigraphic model is suggested for the post-Imbrian ejecta at the Von Karman crater. The layers were previously unseen due to the smooth boundaries between them. The revised model was inferred using an advanced hyperbola-fitting scheme. Applying conventional hyperbola-fitting to non-homogeneous media results in errors and inaccuracies that are often wrongly assumed to be negligible. We propose a novel hyperbola-fitting scheme that is, not constrained to homogeneous media and can be applied subject to any arbitrary one-dimensional permittivity distribution. Via this approach, we can estimate the permittivity profile of an investigated area and detect layered structures that were previously transparent to electromagnetic waves due to the gradational dielectric properties at their interfaces.

Automated summary

This study investigated the shallow layers of lunar regolith at the Chang'E-4 landing site using lunar penetrating radar to identify four layers between 0 and 10 m. A revised stratigraphic model was suggested for the post-Imbrian ejecta at the Von Karman crater based on these findings. A novel hyperbola-fitting scheme was proposed to estimate permittivity profiles and detect previously unnoticed layered structures.