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The Relationship of the MOLA Topography of Mars to the Mean Atmospheric PressureThe MOLA topography of Mars is based on a new mean radius of the planet and new equipotential surface for the areoid. The mean atmospheric pressure surface of 6.1mbars that has been used in the past as a reference level for topography does not apply to the zero level of MOLA elevations. The MOLA mean radius of the planet is 3389508 meters and the mean equatorial radius is 339600 meters. The areoid of the zero level of the MOLA altimetry is defined to be the potential surface with the same potential as the mean equatorial radius. The MOLA topography differs from the USGS digital elevation data by approximately 1.6 km, with MOLA higher. The average pressure on the MOLA reference surface for Ls =0 is approximately 5.1 mbars and has been derived from occultation data obtained from the tracking of Viking, Mariner, and MGS spacecraft and interpolated with the aid of the Ames Mars GCM. The new topography and the new occultation data are providing a more reliable relationship between elevation and surface pressure.
Document ID
19990115808
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smith, David E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Zuber, Maria T.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Division of Planetary Sciences
Location: Padua
Country: Italy
Start Date: October 10, 1999
End Date: October 15, 1999
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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