Modeling of Martian seasonal caps from HEND/ODYSSEY data

M. L. Litvak, I. G. Mitrofanov, A. S. Kozyrev, A. B. Sanin, V. I. Tretyakov, W. V. Boynton, D. Hamara, C. Shinohara, R. S. Saunders

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, we have analyzed neutron spectroscopy data gathered by the high energy neutron detector instrument onboard Mars Odyssey in order to study the behavior of CO 2 condensed mass at the polar regions of Mars. It is known that observation of the neutron albedo of Mars provides not only information on distribution of water ice/bounded water through Martian subsurface but is also sensitive to the condensation/sublimation of atmospheric CO 2 at the Martian poles. Analysis of temporal variations of neutron flux between summer and winter seasons allowed the creation of multidimensional model of CO 2 deposition describing behavior of CO 2 condensed mass as a function of longitude, latitude and time. Based on this model, we have estimated the total masses of north seasonal cap ((3.8 ± 0.4) × 10 15 kg), south seasonal cap ((6.3 ± 0.6) × 10 15 kg) and compared our estimations with predictions of General Circulation Model. Furthermore, using the data gathered during second Martian year on the orbit, we have conducted preliminary comparison between seasonal cycles of two successive Martian years.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2156-2161
Number of pages6
JournalAdvances in Space Research
Volume36
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Martian atmosphere
  • Martian seasonal cycle
  • Neutron spectroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Geophysics
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Space and Planetary Science
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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