Mars Next Orbiter Science Analysis Group (NEX-SAG): White Paper Report to the 2023-2032 Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Decadal Survey

Zurek, R. W.; Campbell, B. A.; Byrne, S.; Calvin, W. M.; Carter, L. M.; Clancy, R. T.; Ehlmann, B. L.; Garvin, J. B.; Kahre, M. A.; Kerber, L.; Murchie, S. L.; Putzig, N. E.; Salvatore, M. R.; Smith, M. D.; Tamppari, L. K.; Thomson, B. J.; Diniega, S.; Lock, Robert E.; Bridges, N. T.; Whitley, Ryan J.; Bussey, B.; Meyer, M. R.; Pratt, Lisa M.

doi:10.3847/25c2cfeb.da7b0e6a

Cited by 2 publications

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“…The fact that the lithospheric deflection peaks at high polar latitudes where ice blocks are located further enhances the feasibility of the measuring concept. Meanwhile, a future super‐high‐resolution optical imager to Mars would greatly build up the prospects (Zurek et al., 2021). A factor that will need to be considered and throughly modeled in the determination of the subtle lithospheric deflection is the solid body tidal deformation from the Sun and Phobos which maximizes at around the equator and reduces to less than 1 cm at the poles (Wagner et al., 2023).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, future super‐resolution cameras to orbit Mars would dramatically enhance the performance of the proposed approaches to delve into the snow/ice depth evolution patterns. Indeed, the Mars Next Orbiter Science Analysis Group (NEX‐SAG) already identified a baseline instrument of a super‐high‐resolution optical imager (HiRISE class at 30 cm/pixel; or even with a better resolution of 10–15 cm/pixel) to reveal detailed morphology over limited areas for science and site reconnaissance (Zurek et al., 2021). This recommended imager is capable of, for example, capturing stratigraphic details, and thus the Late Amazonian climate records, stored in the PLD (I.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Thickness of the Seasonal Deposits at the Martian North Polar Region From Shadow Variations of Fallen Ice Blocks

Xiao,

et al. 2024

JGR Planets

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The seasonal deposition and sublimation of CO2 constitute a major element in the Martian volatile cycle. Here, we propose to use the shadow variations of the ice blocks at the foot of the steep scarps of the North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) to infer the vertical evolution of the seasonal deposits. We conduct an experiment at a steep scarp centered at (85.0°N, 151.5°E). We assume that no snowfall remains on top of the selected ice blocks, the frost ice layer is homogeneous around the ice blocks and their surroundings, and no significant moating is present. We show that the average thickness of the seasonal deposits due to snowfalls in Mars Year 31 is 0.97 ± 0.13 m at Ls = 350.7° in late winter. The large depth measured makes us wonder if snowfalls are more frequent and violent than previously thought. Meanwhile, we show that the average frost thickness in Mars Year 31 reaches 0.64 ± 0.18 m at Ls = 350.7° in late winter. Combined, the total thickness of the seasonal cover in Mars Year 31 reaches 1.63 ± 0.22 m at Ls = 350.7° in late winter, continuously decreases to 0.45 ± 0.06 m at Ls = 42.8° in middle spring and 0.06 ± 0.05 m at Ls = 69.6° in late spring. These estimates are up to 0.8 m lower than the existing Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter results during the spring. Meanwhile, we observe that snow in the very early spring of Mars Year 36 can be 0.36 ± 0.13 m thicker than that in Mars Year 31. This study demonstrates the dynamics of the Martian climate and emphasizes the importance of its long‐term monitoring.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thickness of the Seasonal Deposits at the Martian North Polar Region From Shadow Variations of Fallen Ice Blocks

Xiao,

et al. 2024

JGR Planets

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Past, Present, and Future of Mars Polar Science: Outcomes and Outlook from the 7th International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration

et al. 2021

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Mars Polar Science is a subfield of Mars science that encompasses all studies of the cryosphere of Mars and its interaction with the Martian environment. Every 4 yr, the community of scientists dedicated to this subfield meets to discuss new findings and debate open issues in the International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration (ICMPSE). This paper summarizes the proceedings of the seventh ICMPSE and the progress made since the sixth edition. We highlight the most important advances and present the most salient open questions in the field today, as discussed and agreed upon by the participants of the conference. We also feature agreed-upon suggestions for future methods, measurements, instruments, and missions that would be essential to answering the main open questions presented. This work is thus an overview of the current status of Mars Polar Science and is intended to serve as a road map for the direction of the field during the next 4 yr and beyond, helping to shape its contribution within the larger context of planetary science and exploration.

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Mars Next Orbiter Science Analysis Group (NEX-SAG): White Paper Report to the 2023-2032 Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Decadal Survey

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Thickness of the Seasonal Deposits at the Martian North Polar Region From Shadow Variations of Fallen Ice Blocks

Thickness of the Seasonal Deposits at the Martian North Polar Region From Shadow Variations of Fallen Ice Blocks

Past, Present, and Future of Mars Polar Science: Outcomes and Outlook from the 7th International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration

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