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Climatic change on the terrestrial planetsObservational data related to climatic change on Venus, earth and Mars are reviewed. The channel features on Mars suggest an early to intermediate epoch of warmer and wetter climate, while the layered polar deposits imply more recent periodic variations in climate. A more reducing atmosphere, which would have produced an enhanced greenhouse effect, may have been responsible for warmer periods in the early history of Mars and earth. Detailed calculations relating atmospheric pressure and composition to the temperature state of Mars are presented. The possibility of a runaway greenhouse effect on Venus resulting in the emplacement of volatiles entirely in the atmosphere is also examined. Periodic variations in orbital eccentricity and axial obliquity may have contributed to alternating glacial and interglacial periods on earth. Mechanisms accounting for the laminated terrain of Mars, and the influence of Martian tectonic distortions on the planet's climate also receive attention.
Document ID
19790047501
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Pollack, J. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Space Sciences Div., Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 37
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
79A31514
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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