Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005icar..173..325p&link_type=abstract
Icarus, Volume 173, Issue 2, p. 325-341.
Physics
158
Scientific paper
We present a new high-resolution map of thermal inertia derived from observations of planetary brightness temperature by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) obtained during the entire MGS primary mapping mission. Complete seasonal coverage provides a nearly global view of Mars, including the polar regions, at a spatial resolution of approximately 3 km. Our map of nighttime thermal-bolometer-based thermal inertia covers approximately 60% of the surface between 80° S and 80° N latitudes. We confirm the global pattern of high and low thermal inertia seen in lower resolution mapping efforts and provide greater detail concerning a third surface unit with intermediate values of both thermal inertia and albedo first identified by Mellon et al. 2000, Icarus 148, 437 455. Several smaller regional units with distinct characteristics are observed. Most notably, a unit of low thermal inertia (<175 JmKs) and low-to-intermediate albedo (0.09 0.22) dominates the region polewards of 65° S. We consider possible causes for these characteristics and conclude that a low-density mantle formed by desiccation of a previously ice-rich near-surface layer is the most likely explanation for the observed thermophysical properties. Global comparison of thermal inertia and elevation shows that high and low thermal inertia values can be found over a broad range of elevation, with only low values (30 130 JmKs) occurring at the highest elevations and the highest values occurring only at lower elevations. However, the lowest values (<30 JmKs) are found only at lower elevations, implying that the distribution of low thermal inertia material is not solely controlled by atmospheric pressure and the trapping of fines at high elevations. A new estimate of thermal inertia for the Viking and Pathfinder landing sites helps establish an important link between surface characteristics observed in situ and those derived from remote-sensing data.
Arvidson Raymond E.
Kretke Katherine A.
Mellon Michael T.
Putzig Nathaniel E.
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