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An Historical Search for Unfrozen Water at the Phoenix Landing SiteThe goal of this work is to explore the history of the high-latitude subsurface in the latitude range of the Phoenix landing site (65-75 deg. N). The approach is to use time-marching climate models to search for times, locations, and depths where thick films of unfrozen water might periodically occur. Thick films of unfrozen water (as distinct from ubiquitous monolayer water) are interesting for two reasons. First, multi-layer films of water may be bio-available. Second, patterned ground may require the occurrence of thick films of unfrozen water to facilitate the migration of particles and the development of excess pore ice, as reported by the Odyssey Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) results. For the purposes of this work, we define conditions adequate to establish thick films of unfrozen water to be T greater than 268 K, and RH greater than 0.5. We start with the need to understand the atmospheric pressure. Because of the fact that we're looking at high latitudes, the seasonal cap buffers surface temperature for some part of the year. That directly affects the subsurface thermal regime, at least in the uppermost meter where we will be
Document ID
20040055907
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Zent, Aaron
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Mars Polar Science and Exploration
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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