The 1997 Spring Regression of the Martian South Polar Cap: Mars Orbiter Camera Observations

P. B. James, B. A. Cantor, M. C. Malin, K. Edgett, M. H. Carr, G. E. Danielson, A. P. Ingersoll, M. E. Davies, W. K. Hartmann, A. S. McEwen, L. A. Soderblom, P. C. Thomas, J. Veverka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Mars Orbiter cameras (MOC) on Mars Global Surveyor observed the south polar cap of Mars during its spring recession in 1997. The images acquired by the wide angle cameras reveal a pattern of recession that is qualitatively similar to that observed by Viking in 1977 but that does differ in at least two respects. The 1977 recession in the 0° to 120° longitude sector was accelerated relative to the 1997 observations after LS = 240°; the Mountains of Mitchel also detached from the main cap earlier in 1997. Comparison of the MOC images with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data shows that the Mountains of Mitchel feature is controlled by local topography. Relatively dark, low albedo regions well within the boundaries of the seasonal cap were observed to have red-to-violet ratios that characterize them as frost units rather than unfrosted or partially frosted ground; this suggests the possibility of regions covered by CO2 frost having different grain sizes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)410-418
Number of pages9
JournalIcarus
Volume144
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2000

Keywords

  • Mars atmosphere
  • Mars climate
  • Mars surface

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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