Troughs on Martian Ice Sheets: Analysis of Their Closure and Mass Balance

Mathematics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Mars (Planet), Mars Surface, Ice, Polar Regions, Mass Distribution, Time Dependence, Troughs, Balance, Escarpments, Debris, Mathematical Models, Parameterization, Radiation Trapping, Dust

Scientific paper

At the Copenhagen workshop on Martian polar processes, Ralf Greve commented that the flow regime surrounding scarps and troughs of the Martian polar ice sheets cannot be modeled using traditional "plan view" ice-sheet models. Such models are inadequate because they typically use reduced equations that embody certain simplifications applicable only to terrestrial ice sheets where the upper ice sheet surface is smooth. In response to this suggestion, we have constructed a 2-dimensional, time dependent "side view" (two spatial dimensions: one horizontal, one vertical) model of scarp closure that is designed to overcome the difficulties described by Greve. The purpose of the model is to evaluate the scales of stress variation and styles of flow closure so as to estimate errors that may be encountered by "plan view" models. We show that there may be avenues whereby the complications associated with scarp closure can be overcome in "plan view" models through appropriate parameterizations of 3-dimensional effects. Following this, we apply the flow model to simulate the evolution of a typical scarp on the North Polar Cap of Mars. Our simulations investigate: (a) the role of "radiation trapping" (see our companion abstract) in creating and maintaining "spiral-like" scarps on the ice sheet, (b) the consequences of different flowlaws and ice compositions on scarp evolution and, in particular, scarp age, and (c) the role of dust and debris in scarp evolution.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Troughs on Martian Ice Sheets: Analysis of Their Closure and Mass Balance 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 Troughs on Martian Ice Sheets: Analysis of Their Closure and Mass Balance, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Troughs on Martian Ice Sheets: Analysis of Their Closure and Mass Balance will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-741749

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.