Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008jgre..11308014p&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 113, Issue E8, CiteID E08014
Physics
6
Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Polar Regions, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Ices, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties
Scientific paper
Understanding the present and past water cycle on Mars requires an accurate knowledge of the distribution and amount of H2O available near the surface. In this article, we present a map of the distribution of the surface material exposed between 87°S and 70°S in the summer (e.g., CO2 and H2O ices, dust) based on temperature measurements made by Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS). Our compositional map (100 m per pixel) is in good agreement with spectral mapping returned by Observatoire pour la minéralogie, l'Eau, la Glace et l'activité (OMEGA) and Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM). Exposed water ice covers a total surface area of approximately 40,000 km2. A large fraction of the water ice is exposed at the periphery of the CO2 cap. An approximately 25,000-km2 large patch centered at 83.5°S and 345°E is discovered and represents the largest exposure of water ice in the southern hemisphere. It is not located on the south polar layered deposits but on the surrounding mantled terrains. THEMIS VIS, MOC and HiRISE images indicate that the surface roughness of exposed water ice terrains is typically lower than that of the surrounding dust. Polygonal patterns are observed on the water ice but not exclusively. There is a strong correlation between the surface albedo, the composition of the exposed material, and the timing of the initial seasonal CO2 frost deposition and final removal. These exposed water ice outcrops are not stable in the present environment and lose a vertical layer of tens to hundreds of micrometer a year to the atmosphere. The spike of water vapor above the south pole during the southern summer occurs while the water ice is still covered by a layer of seasonal CO2 frost, indicating that the sublimation of the exposed water ice is not the main contributor of vapor for the southern atmosphere. As water ice is not stable, it may indicate the past location of part of the CO2 perennial cap that has been eroded.
Christensen Philip R.
Edwards Christopher S.
Piqueux Sylvain
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