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The Mars water cycleA model has been developed to test the hypothesis that the observed seasonal and latitudinal distribution of water on Mars is controlled by the sublimation and condensation of surface ice deposits in the Arctic and Antarctic, and the meridional transport of water vapor. Besides reproducing the observed water vapor distribution, the model correctly reproduces the presence of a large permanent ice cap in the Arctic and not in the Antarctic. No permanent ice reservoirs are predicted in the temperate or equatorial zones. Wintertime ice deposits in the Arctic are shown to be the source of the large water vapor abundances observed in the Arctic summertime, and the moderate water vapor abundances in the northern temperate region. Model calculations suggest that a year without dust storms results in very little change in the water vapor distribution. The current water distribution appears to be the equilibrium distribution for present atmospheric conditions.
Document ID
19810053550
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Davies, D. W.
(Aerospace Corp. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 45
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A37954
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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