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Sunlight penetration through the Martian polar caps - Effects on the thermal and frost budgetsAn energy balance model of the seasonal polar caps on Mars is modified to include penetration of solar radiation into and through the ice. Penetration of solar radiation has no effect on subsurface temperature or total frost sublimation if seasonal ice overlies a dust surface. An effect is noted for seasonal ice which overlies the residual polar caps. For the case of an exposed water-ice residual polar cap, the temperature at depth is calculated to be up to several degrees warmer, and the calculated lifetime of seasonal CO2 frost is slightly lower when penetration of sunlight is properly treated in the model. For the case of a residual polar cap which is perennially covered by CO2 frost, the calculated lifetime of seasonal CO2 frost is very slightly increased as a result of sunlight penetration through the ice. Hence, penetration of sunlight into the ice helps to stabilize the observed dichotomy in the residual polar caps on Mars, although it is a small effect.
Document ID
19920071989
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lindner, Bernhard L.
(Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
August 21, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 19
Issue: 16 A
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
92A54613
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-4444
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-4614
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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