Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009jgre..11400e07m&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 114, Issue 53, CiteID E00E07
Mathematics
Logic
17
Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Ices, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties
Scientific paper
A primary objective of the Phoenix mission was to examine the characteristics of high latitude ground ice on Mars. We report observations of ground ice, its depth distribution and stability characteristics, and examine its origins and history. High latitude ground ice was explored through a dozen trench complexes and landing thruster pits, over a range of polygon morphological provinces. Shallow ground ice was found to be abundant under a layer of relatively loose ice-free soil with a mean depth of 4.6 cm, which varied by more than 10x from trench to trench. These variations can be attributed mainly to slope effects and thermal inertia variations in the overburden soil affecting ground temperatures. The presence of ice at this depth is consistent with vapor-diffusive equilibrium with respect to a mean atmospheric water content of 3.4 × 1019 m-3, consistent with the present-day climate. Significant ice heterogeneity was observed, with two major forms: ice-cemented soil and relatively pure light toned ice. Ice-cemented soils, which comprised about 90% of the icy material exposed by trenching, are best explained as vapor deposited pore ice in a matrix supported porous soil. Light toned ice deposits represent a minority of the subsurface and are thought to consist of relatively thin near surface deposits. The origin of these relatively pure ice deposits appears most consistent with the formation of excess ice by soil ice segregation, such as would occur by thin film migration and the formation of ice lenses, needle ice, or similar ice structures.
Arvidson Raymond E.
Blaney Diana L.
Cull Selby
Hecht Michael H.
Heet Tabatha L.
No associations
LandOfFree
Ground ice at the Phoenix Landing Site: Stability state and origin 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 Ground ice at the Phoenix Landing Site: Stability state and origin, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ground ice at the Phoenix Landing Site: Stability state and origin will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1697211