Initial analysis of air temperature and related data from the Phoenix MET station and their use in estimating turbulent heat fluxes

Abstract

[1] Thermocouples at three levels on a 1 m mast on the deck of the Phoenix Lander provided temperature data throughout the 151 sol Phoenix mission. Air temperatures showed a large diurnal cycle which showed little sol to sol variation, especially over the first 90 sols of the mission. Daytime temperatures at the top (2 m) level typically rose to about 243 K (À30°C) in early afternoon and had large (10°) turbulent fluctuations. These are analyzed and used to estimate heat fluxes. Late afternoon conditions were relatively calm with minimal temperature fluctuations but CFD computations show that heating from the lander deck and instruments have influenced temperatures measured at the lowest level (0.25 m above the deck) on the mast.

Atmospheric dynamics at the Phoenix landing site as seen by the Surface Stereo Imager

“…By providing new data on the conditions present in the high northern plains of Mars during 151 sols of summer, this paper will help to refine our understanding of the Martian climate and the role played by the atmosphere over the northern plains. This new data, when combined with the results reported in several other papers from this issue [ Tamppari et al , 2009; Taylor et al , 2009; Davy et al , 2009; C. von Holstein‐Rathlou et al, submitted manuscript, 2009; L. Drube et al, Magnetic and optical properties of dust as inferred from SSI spectra and dust settling rates including soil particles on and near caltargets/fiducials on the lander deck: Comparison with results from the MERs, submitted to Journal of Geophysical Research , 2010] provides a test for models of the Martian atmosphere. As well, the animations of clouds passing serenely over the landscape serve as a reminder that Mars is not so different from our own planet.…”

Field Measurements of Terrestrial and Martian Dust Devils

“…The pressure sensor was based on Barocap ® silicon diaphragm sensor heads manufactured by Vaisala Inc. and had a very high resolution of 0.1 Pa ), limited by the noise level. In contrast to the Vikings, Pathfinder and MSL, Phoenix logged atmospheric pressure and air temperature almost continuously, with an invariant sampling rate (0.5 Hz) Davy et al 2010). The mission spanned 151 sols, almost twice the duration of the Pathfinder mission, extending from early spring through mid northern hemisphere summer (L s 77 • to L s 148 • ).…”

Field Measurements of Terrestrial and Martian Dust Devils

“…The pressure sensor was based on Barocap ® silicon diaphragm sensor heads manufactured by Vaisala Inc. and had a very high resolution of 0.1 Pa ), limited by the noise level. In contrast to the Vikings, Pathfinder and MSL, Phoenix logged atmospheric pressure and air temperature almost continuously, with an invariant sampling rate (0.5 Hz) Davy et al 2010). The mission spanned 151 sols, almost twice the duration of the Pathfinder mission, extending from early spring through mid northern hemisphere summer (L s 77…”