Numerical simulations of the decay of Martian global dust storms

Details Numerical simulations of the decay of Martian global dust storms Numerical simulations of the decay of Martian global dust storms

Aug 1990

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1990jgr....9514629m&link_type=abstract

(American Geophysical Union and Geological Society of America, International Conference on Mars, 4th, Tucson, AZ, Jan. 10-13, 19

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

29

Digital Simulation, Dust Storms, Mars Atmosphere, Spaceborne Astronomy, Aerosols, Particle Size Distribution, Viking Lander 1

Scientific paper

The decay of Martian global (great) dust storms is investigated. One-dimensional (vertical, static atmosphere) and two-dimensional (latitude-height, steady state circulation) simulations carried out with an aerosol transport-microphysical model indicate that atmospheric motions play a significant role in the observed decay of global dust storms. Spacecraft observations (Mariner 9, Viking) of the 1971 and the two 1977 planet-encircling dust storms have provided suggestions about some characteristics of storm decay. Specifically, the dust particle size distribution is inferred to have remained essentially unchanged for particles with radii between 1 and 10 microns during decay of the 1971 storm, and surface visible opacity declined quasi-exponentially with time in northern midlatitudes during the decay of the two 1977 storms. The results from this investigation indicate that two- and three-dimensional dynamical processes play a significant role the observed decay features of Martian global dust storms. The most important processes are the lofting of dust by vertical motions in the dust source region of the Southern Hemisphere subtropics and a continuing advective resupply of atmospheric dust into the dust sink regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This work has implications for Viking data analyses and future Mars observer observations and requires that the particle size distribution be treated as a time and latitude dependent quantity.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Numerical simulations of the decay of Martian global dust storms 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 Numerical simulations of the decay of Martian global dust storms, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Numerical simulations of the decay of Martian global dust storms will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1128800