Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1999
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999eostr..80..609k&link_type=abstract
EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, Vol. 80, p.609
Physics
Polar Cap Phenomena, Polar Regions, Mars
Scientific paper
The early part of the Mars Global Surveyor mission provided low spatial resolution, comprehensive diurnal coverage of the Mars south polar region. These data allowed mapping of the polar cap recession, surface and atmospheric temperatures, and albedo, and revealed a surprising variety within the seasonal deposits (Kieffer et al. 1999). A large region, which includes the M98 landing site, remained as dark as soil throughout the period when temperatures indicated CO_2 solid was present. This Cryptic behavior was also observed, but not noted by the Viking IRTM. Historic visual telescopic observations suggest this behavior has occurred in the same location for at least 60 years. Analysis of both the TES and IRTM data indicate that the Cryptic region is unique in its thermo-physical properties relative to the rest of the cap; it appears substantially darker and slightly warmer than the rest of the seasonal deposits. TES infrared spectra indicate that the Cryptic region is composed of solid CO_2 of indeterminately large grain size, as opposed to snow or frost; the seasonal deposit here could be a slab of glare ice about 1 m thick that is draped over the topography. MGS mapping data are now being acquired with 3 km resolution. When first seen after seasonal dawn, virtually all of the southern cap is of low albedo. At sun elevations of about 10 degrees, most of the cap begins to brighten substantially, but the Cryptic region remains dark. During the 3 months prior to landing, TES will make regular observations of the landing site region, allowing comparison with the thermal behavior observed one Martian year earlier and prediction of the conditions at the time of landing. We will report on the result of this monitoring effort. Reference: H.H. Kieffer, T.N. Titus, K.F. Mullins, and P.R. Christiansen, Mars south polar spring and summer behavior observed by TES: Seasonal cap evolution controlled by grain size, 1999, Jour. Geophys. Res., submitted.
Kieffer Hugh H.
Mullins F.
Titus Timothy
No associations
LandOfFree
TES and IRTM Observations of the Martian seasonal cap behavior around the M98 Landing site 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 TES and IRTM Observations of the Martian seasonal cap behavior around the M98 Landing site, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and TES and IRTM Observations of the Martian seasonal cap behavior around the M98 Landing site will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1286390