All property data held by BGS has for many years been stored in relational databases to ensure their long-term continuity.
This can be voxelated to incorporate this data into the models to demonstrate property variation within the subsurface geometry. The British Geological Survey (BGS) holds large volumes of subsurface property data, derived both from their own research data collection and also other, often commercially derived data sources. Achieving this requires capture and serving of physical, hydrological and other property information from diverse sources to populate these models. The next phase of this process is to populate these with physical properties data that describe subsurface heterogeneity and its associated uncertainty. Now pervasively available computers mean that 3D geological models can deliver realistic representations of the geometric location of geological units, represented as shells or volumes. Until recently, the delivery of geological information for industry and public was achieved by geological mapping. PropBase Query Layer: a single portal to UK subsurface physical property databases 1.0 meters per billion years on the one hand and Mole subsurface access capability of approximately 1.5 meters.
Based on uncovered stratigraphy, the regional sequence of depositional and erosional styles can be constrained which has an impact on understanding the ancient history of the Martian near-surface layer, considering estimates of Mars soil production rates of 0.5. Taken together, the MOCSS science data support to decipher the geologic history at the landing site as compositional and textural stratigraphy if they exist - can be detected at a number of places if the MOCSS were accommodated on a rover such as MSL. Overall MOCSS mass is approximately 1.4 kilograms.
MOCSS is based on the compact PLUTO (PLanetary Underground TOol) Mole system developed for the Beagle 2 lander and incorporates a small X-ray fluorescence spectrometer within the Mole which is a new development.
An instrument the Mole for Soil Compositional Studies and Sampling (MOCSS) - is proposed to allow repeated access to subsurface regolith on Mars to depths of up to 1.5 meters for in-situ measurements of elemental composition and of physical and thermophysical properties, as well as for subsurface sample acquisition. They are central to understanding whether habitable environments existed on Mars in the distant past. Physical and chemical properties vary laterally and vertically, providing insight into the composition of rocks from which soils derive, and environmental conditions that led to soil formation. In particular, a diversity in both compositional and physical properties could be established that is interpreted to be diagnostic of the complex geologic history of the martian surface layer. Previous in-situ measurements of soil-like materials on the surface of Mars, in particular during the on-going Mars Exploration Rover missions, have shown complex relationships between composition, exposure to the surface environment, texture, and local rocks. A Subsurface Soil Composition and Physical Properties Experiment to Address Mars Regolith Stratigraphy