Thermal Contrast and Slope Winds in Mars' Northern Polar Cap Edge Region: 2-D Simulations

Details Thermal Contrast and Slope Winds in Mars' Northern Polar Cap Edge Region: 2-D Simulations Thermal Contrast and Slope Winds in Mars' Northern Polar Cap Edge Region: 2-D Simulations

Aug 2000

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000mpse.conf..157s&link_type=abstract

International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration, p. 157

Mathematics

Logic

Hydrological Cycle, Mars (Planet), Polar Caps, Ice, Water, Mars Surface, Northern Hemisphere, Planetary Geology, Topography, Models

Scientific paper

Orbital observations of the Martian polar cap and the atmosphere have shown the residual/permanent Northern polar cap to a) be composed primarily of water ice and hence during the spring and summer a major water vapor source, and b) lie considerably above its surroundings in the northern lowlands. In previous works by the authors, brightening of the northern cap was documented in the visual and infrared Mariner 9 and Viking Orbiter observation after the retreat of the seasonal carbon dioxide cap at Ls = 81 deg. The association of this feature with seasonal variation of regional water transport have been investigated using both observational data sets as well as 2D modeling of the cap edge regional/mesoscale circulation patterns. Terrestrial observational and modeling experience as well as Martian simulation work show that horizontal thermal contrasts generated, e.g., between the ice-covered and ice-free regions on level or negligibly-sloped terrain drive sea-breeze like circulation patterns characterized by formation of daytime circulation cells with upwelling motion above the ice-free region and downwelling motion above the ice. This circulation pattern may pick up sublimating water vapor in the near-surface layers and transport it across the ice edge towards the interior of the cap. The nocturnal--potentially reverse--circulation is weak in comparison. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

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