WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University engineers have developed a patent-pending method to decrease hazardous strikes to underground utility pipes during construction projects. This could lower related financial losses, service disruptions, injuries and fatalities.

Hubo Cai and Yuxi Zhang are improving upon traditional ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data to better estimate the location, orientation and radius of underground utility pipes. Cai is a professor and the associate head of Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering and Zhang is a doctoral candidate in civil engineering.

Cai said GPR provides a nondestructive technique to locate pipes by analyzing the electromagnetic wave reflections and resulting hyperbolic reflections. But it often overlooks inherent uncertainties and issues related to data quality.

“Our uncertainty-aware model compensates for this gap by robustly quantifying uncertainty in order to create a buffer zone,” he said. “With this improvement, construction contractors, utility-locating service providers and excavator manufacturers can better interpret GPR data, supporting safer and more effective underground utility mapping.”

Cai and Zhang’s research has been published in the January 2026 issue of Advanced Engineering Informatics.

They disclosed the innovation to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for a patent to protect the intellectual property. Industry partners interested in developing or commercializing the algorithm should contact Parag Vasekar, business development and licensing manager — physical sciences, at psvasekar@prf.org about track code 71294.

Validating the Purdue solution

Cai and Zhang’s research uses a Bayesian framework for quantifying uncertainty in estimating underground pipe depth, horizontal position, orientation and radius.

“A forward model was developed for predicting electromagnetic wave travel times from 3D pipe geometries,” Cai said. “We also created a statistical inference framework for quantifying uncertainties in estimated pipe parameters. The framework was shown to output credible intervals and provide measures of estimation reliability.”

Cai and Zhang also developed diagnostic metrics for GPR data quality, including quantitative measures of completeness and consistency.

“The forward model achieves an RMSE (root mean square error) of 0.454 ns when validated against high-fidelity simulations, demonstrating strong predictive accuracy with reduced computational cost,” Cai said. “Among all configurations, the VI+MCMC (Variational Inference and Markov Chain Monte Carlo) approach using a normal likelihood model yielded the highest average coverage rates — 97.5% on simulated data and 77.5% on field data — validating the effectiveness of the framework.”

The National Science Foundation supported Cai and Zhang’s work with a grant.

The cost of damaged underground pipes

Zhang said the Common Ground Alliance estimated in 2019 that the annual total social costs of underground infrastructure damage in the United States reached approximately $30 billion.

“According to the 2022 Damage Information Reporting Tool, 87.84% of these incidents resulted from inaccurate location information,” she said.

The lack of complete and reliable records also creates a bottleneck in transportation project delivery attributed to utility conflicts, construction activities or phasing, existing utilities, or failing to comply with accommodation policies and safety regulations.

“Failure to promptly identify and resolve utility conflicts leads to cost overruns, schedule delays, public safety hazards and service outages,” Zhang said. “Therefore, effective tools for locating underground pipelines are the first step toward building a digital twin of the massive underground infrastructure.”

About Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university’s academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2025, the office reported 161 deals executed with 269 technologies licensed, 479 invention disclosures received, and 267 U.S. and international patents received. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information. 

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 106,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 57,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its integrated, comprehensive Indianapolis urban expansion; the Mitch Daniels School of Business; Purdue Computes; and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

Media contact: Steve Martin, sgmartin@prf.org

Journal

Advanced Engineering Informatics

DOI

10.1016/j.aei.2025.104093

The study’s authors employed sophisticated ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology to detail sedimentary structures beneath the Martian surface, revealing distinct layers that echo geological features found on Earth. In particular, the radar images displayed sediment deposits characterized by a consistent upward slope, mimicking the formation of ancient beachlines created by the perpetual ebb and flow of ocean waves. This pattern strongly supports the theory that Mars once supported a large, ice-free body of water, suggesting that the onset of liquid water on the planet was not a sudden event but rather a prolonged geological episode.

Notably, Michael Manga, a key researcher in the study and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasized the significance of the findings. He stated that the observed features align well with what would be expected from sediment deposition along a shoreline, which forms over countless years due to interactions between water and land. The analogy with Earth’s beaches—formed through similar geological processes—affirms the presence of a historical ocean on Mars, thus contributing to the ongoing discussion regarding the planet’s habitability.

Manga’s enthusiasm is echoed by other scientists who participated in this intricate research process. The Chinese rover Zhurong not only traversed a remarkable distance of 1.9 kilometers across Martian terrain but also effectively utilized its GPR to probe approximately 80 meters underground. Such depth is crucial for detecting and analyzing ancient sedimentary layers, providing insight into the planet’s interactive history with water, sediment transportation, and potential biological implications.

The presence of large, sandy deposits atop the identified beach structures further fuels speculation about a dynamic hydrological past. On Earth, similar sediment formations arise from the interplay of rivers feeding into oceans, indicating that Mars may have had rivers flowing into this ancient sea, adding additional layers of sediment over time. This discovery paints a picture of Mars not merely as a barren desert but as an environment that may have once nurtured the building blocks crucial for life.

The scientific community has long speculated about the plausibility of an ancient Martian ocean, a theory first ignited by images captured by NASA’s Viking landers in the 1970s. Initial observations revealed geological formations that resembled shorelines. However, skepticism emerged, as scientists observed the irregularities and inconsistencies that contradicted traditional models of oceanic shorelines. Today, with the help of Zhurong’s findings, the narrative is shifting, solidifying the theory that atmospheric changes and shifts in the planet’s climatic conditions allowed for the flow of liquid water eons ago.

A noteworthy challenge persists: the question of what ultimately happened to the Martian water. It is hypothesized that as Mars’ atmosphere gradually diminished, much of its water either sublimated into space or became trapped underground, forming ice or embedding in minerals. Despite these issues, intricate models constructed to understand the planet’s geological history point towards a once-thriving ocean, enriched with nutrients, ideal for possibly spawning the inception of life similar to that on Earth.

The implications of these discoveries may extend far beyond mere geological curiosity. They invoke questions regarding ancient Martian ecosystems and potential habitability. Many are drawn to the analogy of Earth’s earliest life forms originating near shorelines, where nutrient-rich waters met the land, fostering biodiversity. Thus, the newly explored Martian shorelines may serve as prime candidates for investigating past life on the Red Planet or, at the very least, understanding the conditions that may have supported life billions of years ago.

As scientists continue to analyze the data from Zhurong, anticipation rises regarding the revelations that will likely emerge from this ongoing research. Understanding the planet’s climate and terrestrial shifts through the lens of an ancient ocean may unlock the narratives of Mars’ geological evolution, revealing a rich tapestry of history that shapes our understanding of not only Mars but planetary formation and evolution in general.

In a collaborative spirit, the research team spanned multiple institutions and countries. With contributions from both American and Chinese scientists, the study embodies a convergence of expertise that reflects the spirit of contemporary planetary science. Such cooperation serves as a beacon for future explorations, encouraging a united approach to broadly comprehend our solar system’s many enigmas.

Thus, as Mars continues to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike, the story of Zhurong and its radical discoveries underscores the vitality of exploration. The rugged Martian landscapes that have stood silent for eons may be the key to answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: Did life ever arise on Mars?

As humanity prepares for future missions and endeavors to unveil the secrets held within the Martian crust, this research not only points toward geological phenomena but beckons towards a future in which we might one day have a clearer understanding of life beyond Earth.

With every new piece of evidence, the lore of Mars unspools further, transforming from mere speculation to grounded scientific inquiry and exploration. The ancient ocean theory, once fraught with doubt, now garners new life and momentum thanks to the relentless pursuit of knowledge encapsulated in missions like Zhurong. Scientists stand poised at the threshold of discovery, eager to continue the narrative of Mars and its life-sustaining potential as we unfurl the stories hidden beneath its rust-colored surface.

Subject of Research: Evidence of ancient ocean deposits on Mars
Article Title: Ancient ocean coastal deposits imaged on Mars
News Publication Date: 24-Feb-2025
Web References: DOI link
References: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Image Credits: Robert Citron

Keywords: Mars, ancient ocean, Zhurong rover, sediment deposits, planetary science, habitability, Deuteronilus, ground-penetrating radar, geological formations, extraterrestrial life, climate history.

Zhurong, which successfully landed in May 2021, operated for an impressive year, traversing approximately 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) across the Martian surface. Its path led it near escarpments that are believed to stem from an era some 4 billion years ago when Mars boasted a thicker atmosphere and a more temperate climate, suitable for liquid water. The rover’s ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was instrumental in probing beneath the surface, reaching depths of up to 80 meters (approximately 260 feet) to reveal various geological features.

The radar imagery obtained by Zhurong indicated thick stratified layers of material, all exhibiting an upward incline towards the proposed ancient shoreline at an angle roughly 15 degrees. Such a tilting is strikingly similar to coastal deposits observed on Earth. The researchers speculate that these extensive deposits might have formed over millions of years, implying the presence of a long-lasting body of water that was actively reshaping the shores through wave action.

Notably, the nature of sediments detected by the GPR suggests they align more closely with sand rather than the wind-eroded dunes commonly seen across Mars. “The structures do not resemble typical sand dunes. They also do not appear to be remnants of impact craters or solidified lava flows,” explained Michael Manga, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He emphasized that the alignment and slope of these deposits are heavily indicative of a sustained oceanic environment that likely existed on Mars.

Authored by a collaborative team of scientists, the research paper detailing these findings is set to be published in an upcoming issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The findings collectively indicate that the megabeaches and their corresponding deposits demonstrate Mars was once hydrologically active, allowing for waves and currents to influence sediment distribution across ancient shorelines. This not only paves the way for understanding how past oceanic conditions may have shaped Mars, but it also revitalizes the search for signs of life in regions believed to have been favorable for fostering biological activity.

“Shorelines are key locations for discovering evidence of past biological activity,” noted Benjamin Cardenas, an assistant professor of geosciences. He pointed out that Earth’s earliest life forms likely emerged in similar environments where water meets land—suggesting that if life ever arose on Mars, these ancient shorelines could be prime candidates for investigation.

Mars exploration has been profoundly impacted by the data garnered from the Viking spacecraft in the 1970s, which hinted at the possibility of an ancient ocean due to the identification of what appeared to be a shoreline within the northern hemisphere of the planet. However, the irregularity of these formations raised doubts among scientists regarding the ocean hypothesis. Following a closer examination and more advanced explorations, it has become evident that a substantial portion of Martian water has long since escaped into space due to the planet’s cooling atmosphere.

The recent revelations from Zhurong’s radar data lend credence to previous theories suggesting that the Tharsis volcanic region’s formation significantly distorted Mars’s rotation, ultimately resulting in the uneven shorelines that scientists observe today. Further scrutiny of Zhurong’s findings indicates that the ancient ocean’s remains can still be detected beneath layers of sediment—material that has accumulated over millennia from various surface events such as dust storms and volcanic eruptions.

The research has opened new doors to understanding Mars’s climatic evolution and the planet’s ability to support life in its early history. Scientists continue to engage in discussions regarding the stratigraphic evidence collected, as they seek deeper insights into the hydrological past of the Red Planet.

As expectations mount, researchers point to future investigations that could provide more concrete evidence of how extensive and ancient Martian oceans may have been. With ongoing innovations in rover technology and increasing collaboration between international agencies, the hopes for unearthing more Martian mysteries are greater than ever.

Zhurong’s groundbreaking findings pave the way for a deeper understanding of not only Mars’s geological history but also the complexities surrounding planetary development and habitability within our solar system. As we look toward new missions and analyses, the echoes of ancient oceans may guide us in our quest to understand the universe.

Moreover, the research underlines the importance of continued exploration in Martian terrains where the geological history might contain crucial evidence regarding the evolution of life on other planets. The conditions that once fostered oceans now make Mars a focal point for astrobiological studies, enhancing our understanding of life beyond Earth. The findings stimulated interest among scientists worldwide, fueling potentials for future Mars missions.

High-resolution radar capabilities and collaborative efforts among global scientific communities serve as a testament to the quest for answers embedded in Mars’s past. Each new discovery fuels the imagination, setting the stage for future generations of researchers eager to uncover the secrets that lie deep beneath the Martian surface.

Subject of Research: Evidence of ancient oceanic conditions on Mars revealed by the Chinese rover Zhurong.
Article Title: Ancient ocean coastal deposits imaged on Mars.
News Publication Date: 24-Feb-2025.
Web References: DOI.
References: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Image Credits: Robert Citron.
Keywords: Mars, Zhurong rover, ancient ocean, geological history, extraterrestrial life.