Monte Carlo simulation of an in-situ search of water on the Martian surface by using neutron spectroscopy

In this paper the concept for in-situ search of water in the Martian soil by applying neutron spectroscopy is examined. Monte-Carlo simulations were carried out to determine homogeneous water concentrations in the Martian surface. In addition, the effect of an ice layer with a thickness of 10 cm, buried in the soil, was investigated. Furthermore, a method is presented that provides the ability to distinguish between the effects caused by a homogeneous water distribution and an ice layer located at different depths.