Computer Science
Scientific paper
Apr 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005icar..174..486s&link_type=abstract
Icarus, Volume 174, Issue 2, p. 486-489.
Computer Science
13
Scientific paper
The geoid of Mars is dominated by its equilibrium figure and by the effect of the Tharsis rise. To investigate the rotational stability of Mars prior to the rise of Tharsis, we produced a residual non-hydrostatic geoid without Tharsis. First the hydrostatic component of the present-day flattening was removed. This procedure was performed using a 6% non-hydrostatic component of flattening, a value set by the spin axis precession rate of Mars. Then zonal spherical harmonics up to degree 6 centered on Tharsis were removed. Finally, the resultant residual geoid was evaluated for rotational stability by comparing polar and equatorial moments at 4050 trial pole positions. If the spin axis of ancient Mars was secularly stable, our analysis indicates that substantial polar wander has occurred with the rise of Tharsis. Stable spin axis positions on the non-hydrostatic residual figure of Mars are 15° to 90° from the present-day poles. This result is consistent with previously proposed paleopoles based on magnetic anomalies, geomorphology, and grazing impacts.
Baker Leslie L.
Sprenke Kenneth F.
Williams Adele F.
No associations
LandOfFree
Polar wander on Mars: Evidence in the geoid 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 Polar wander on Mars: Evidence in the geoid, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Polar wander on Mars: Evidence in the geoid will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-973565