[Fitzcarraldo]

One useful system would be a seismic 'thumper' and detector array to map the boundaries between the sediments and the rock basement (probably basalt) in the Meridiani area.

[RightWhale]

If Halliburton is involved, which they probably are, they may have a thumper on the drawing boards already. It's a good idea. NASA has a panel looking at suggestions for the new space program and they take email.