Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufm.p23a0047f&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #P23A-0047
Physics
5405 Atmospheres (0343, 1060), 5415 Erosion And Weathering, 5445 Meteorology (3346), 5462 Polar Regions, 6225 Mars
Scientific paper
For hundreds of years scientists have tracked the changing appearance of Mars, first by hand drawings and later by photographs. Because of this historical record, many classical albedo patterns have long been known to shift in appearance over time. Decadal variations of the martian surface albedo are generally attributed to removal and deposition of small amounts of relatively bright dust on the surface. Large swaths of the surface (up to 56 million km2) have been observed to darken or brighten by 10% or more. However, it is unknown how these albedo changes impact wind circulation, dust transport, the feedback between these processes, and their influence on martian climate change. We present predictions from a Mars general circulation model (MGCM) indicating that the observed decadal albedo alterations influence the martian environment. Results indicate enhanced wind stress in recently darkened areas and decreased wind stress in brightened areas, producing a positive feedback system in which the albedo changes strengthen the winds that generate the changes. The simulations also predict a net annual global warming of surface air temperatures by ~0.65 K, enhancing dust lifting by increasing the likelihood of dust devil generation. The increase in global dust lifting by both wind stress and dust devils may impact the mechanisms that trigger large dust storm initiation, a poorly understood phenomenon unique to Mars. In addition, predicted increases in summertime temperatures at high southern latitudes could explain the rapid and steady scarp retreat that has been observed in the south polar residual ice for the past four Mars years. Our results suggest that documented albedo changes contribute to recent climate change and large-scale weather patterns on Mars, and thus albedo variations are a necessary component of future atmospheric and climate studies.
Fenton Lori K.
Geissler Paul Eric
Haberle Robert M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Global Warming on Mars 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 Global Warming on Mars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Global Warming on Mars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-961393