Statistics – Computation
Scientific paper
Sep 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009dps....41.4406m&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #41, #44.06
Statistics
Computation
Scientific paper
One of the most important and useful diagnostics of the Martian water cycle is the atmospheric probing of the vertical profile of water vapor. It can give clues on yet poorly constrained water sources and sinks, like atmospheric transport, phase changes, vertical redistribution associated with clouds. The height of the saturation level, and consequently on the temperature structure of the atmosphere and the formation of water ice clouds, can also be extracted. Other related phenomena, such as supersaturation, formation of ice particles, and deposition of water in the layers just below the saturation height, have never been observed but can potentially have a significant impact on the water cycle. Moreover, water is heavily involved in photochemical processes in the upper atmosphere, still poorly constrained by observations. Finally, the vertical distribution is also significant for the computation of the total H2O column density.
Nevertheless, only two datasets of direct measurements for the vertical profile of Martian water vapor existed until now, both limited in spatial and temporal distribution. Solar occultation measurements retrieved by the SPICAM spectrometer onboard Mars Express provide a new and by far more complete set, covering three consecutive Martian years with almost 600 observations.
We present the results of the seasonal and spatial variations for the H2O vertical distribution in the atmosphere during the Martian year. The interannual variability will also be investigated. Results will be compared with the results from the Mars General Circulation Model developed at the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique. This step allows to provide much needed observational constraints for the model, and to obtain more stringent information regarding the physical phenomena that govern the vertical distribution of water vapor and, consequently, the Martian water cycle as a whole.
This research is supported by UPMC, CNES, and MK grants.
Bertaux J. J.
Fedorova Alexandra
Korablev Oleg
Maltagliati Luca
Montmessin Franck
No associations
LandOfFree
Vertical Profiles Of Water Vapor In Mars' Atmosphere By Spicam/mex Solar Occultations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Vertical Profiles Of Water Vapor In Mars' Atmosphere By Spicam/mex Solar Occultations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vertical Profiles Of Water Vapor In Mars' Atmosphere By Spicam/mex Solar Occultations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1333358