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The astronomical theory of climatic change on MarsThe response of Martian climate to changes in solar energy deposition caused by variations of the Martian orbit and obliquity is examined. A systematic study is presented of the seasonal cycles of carbon dioxide, water, and dust to provide a complete picture of the climate for various orbital configurations. A new theory for the formation of the polar laminae is developed on the basis of this systematic examination. For the present orbital configuration and climate of Mars, it is shown that regolith damping of the seasonal CO2 cycle is unlikely; the mean atmospheric pressure is probably in equilibrium with the regolith; the low albedo of the north H2O polar cap can be explained by an admixture of 85% ice and 15% dust; and the albedo of the polar caps and the polar heat budget are very sensitive to small variations in dust deposition.
Document ID
19810053509
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Toon, O. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Pollack, J. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Theoretical and Planetary Studies Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Ward, W.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Burns, J. A.
(Cornell University Ithaca, NY, United States)
Bilski, K.
(Informatics, Inc. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 44
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A37913
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCA2-OR-175-702
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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