Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Sep 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009dps....41.1607r&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #41, #16.07
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
Two whitepapers in preparation for the Decadal Survey make the case for Mars as a high-priority exploration target and for Mars climate investigations in particular. We argue that major advances in the understanding of the Mars climate system are most likely to be accomplished by in situ meteorological surface measurements operating as a network and as individual stations. This position is based on the scientific output from past and ongoing atmospheric measurements, expectations of future orbital information, the unique science enabled only by measurements made at the surface, and the nature of the key outstanding climate science objectives, as identified by the Mars community. Meteorological measurements at the surface of a planet provide information that is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain from orbit. It is at the surface and within the planetary boundary layer immediately above where there are large exchanges of heat, momentum, dust, water, CO2, CH4 and other volatiles. It is at the surface where the weather shapes, through aeolian processes, the surface of contemporary Mars. To date, emphasis has been on orbital measurements that have done a good job of characterizing the bulk atmosphere and climate, but cannot see the surface where exchange with the atmosphere occurs. Therefore, landed missions are required to complete the characterization of the climate system. A viable approach to achieve the highest priority MEPAG climate objective is to fly highly capable individual meteorology stations on every future landed mission with a focus on boundary layer processes including measurement of turbulent fluxes of heat, momentum, moisture, and dust. A global network would follow within the decade and carry a floor payload to measure pressure, temperature, winds, and dust. The instrumentation for meteorology investigations is mature, but investment in power, EDL, and communication is needed.
Banfield Don
Barnes James R.
Haberle Robert M.
Rafkin Scot C. R.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Value of Landed Meteorological Investigations on Mars: The Next Advance for Climate Science 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 The Value of Landed Meteorological Investigations on Mars: The Next Advance for Climate Science, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Value of Landed Meteorological Investigations on Mars: The Next Advance for Climate Science will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1332073