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

Becerra, P.; Hibbard, S. M.; Andres, C. N.; Bapst, J.; Bramson, A. M.; Buhler, P. B.; Coronato, Andrea; Diniega, S.; Emmett, Jeremy; Galofre, Anna Grau; Herny, Clémence; Kahre, M. A.; Knightly, J. P.; Nerozzi, S.; Pascuzzo, A. C.; Portyankina, Ganna; Rabassa, Jorge; Tamppari, L. K.; Titus, T. N.; Whitten, J. L.; Yoldi, Z.

doi:10.3847/psj/ac19a5

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 210 publications

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“…This study examines both the temporal and spatial level evolution of the SNPC, which should be incorporated as constraints in future Martian climate and volatile models (Becerra et al., 2021). As the next step, we will try the SHAllow RADar (SHARAD) radar altimetry to cross‐validate the MOLA measurements, and to derive the long‐term seasonal level evolution of the seasonal polar caps of Mars (e.g., Raguso & Nunes, 2021; Steinbrügge et al., 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatio‐Temporal Level Variations of the Martian Seasonal North Polar Cap From Co‐Registration of MOLA Profiles

et al. 2022

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The seasonal deposition and sublimation of CO2 constitute a major element in Martian volatile cycles. We reprocess the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data and apply co‐registration procedures to obtain spatio‐temporal variations in levels of the Seasonal North Polar Cap (SNPC). The maximum level over the Residual North Polar Cap (RNPC) is 1.3 m, approximately half of that at the south pole (2.5 m). However, the maximum level in the dune fields at Olympia Undae can be up to 3.8 m. Furthermore, off‐season decreases up to 3 m during the northern winter at Olympia Undae are observed. These are likely due to metamorphism effects accentuated by the reduced snowfall at this period. Meanwhile, off‐season increases of up to 2 m during the northern spring are noted, the cause of which remains to be explored. The volume of the SNPC peaks at the end of northern winter and is estimated to be approximately 9.6 × 1012 m3, which is 2% more than that of the Seasonal South Polar Cap. The bulk density of the SNPC can go through phased decreases in accordance with phased accumulation at northern high‐latitudes. These findings can put important constraints on the Martian volatile cycling models.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatio‐Temporal Level Variations of the Martian Seasonal North Polar Cap From Co‐Registration of MOLA Profiles

et al. 2022

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“…B. Smith & Holt, 2010). The PLD, together with the outlying crater ice deposits (McGlasson et al., 2023; Sori et al., 2022), are the most accessible planetary climate records outside Earth, making them among the most compelling science targets in the Solar System (Becerra et al., 2021; I. B. Smith et al., 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The resultant Seasonal South/North Polar Caps (SSPC, SNPC) at their maximum can reach around 50°S/N in the beginning of winter under current conditions (Piqueux et al, 2015). Understanding these seasonal processes can place vital constraints on the Martian volatile cycles, and help with the determination of the current mass balance of the polar ice reservoirs (Becerra et al, 2021). The thickness of the surficial layer would have important implications for the feasibility or trafficability of future landers, rovers, or helicopters that would drill into the PLD and decipher the stored paleoclimate of Mars (Matthies et al, 2022;I.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

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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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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“…Mars' polar deposits contain rich records of historical climatic processes (Smith et al 2020;Becerra et al, 2021). This study focuses on deciphering the record contained in alternating layers of CO 2 and H 2 O ice in Mars' south polar Massive CO 2 Ice Deposit (MCID; Phillips et al, 2011;Bierson et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water Deposition Rates onto Mars' South Polar Massive CO2 Ice Deposit

Buhler

2022

Preprint

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Mars' polar layered deposits record critical information about its climate history. Here, I numerically model formation of alternating layers of CO2 and H2O ice in Mars' south polar Massive CO2 Ice Deposit to reconstruct its H2O ice depositional history over the past 510 thousand years. Statistical analyses of ˜10ˆ9 model runs favor a best-fit historical H2O ice deposition function that exponentially decreases with obliquity, with ˜1, 0.1, and 0.01 mm yrˆ-1 rates for 20, 24, and 28 deg. obliquity, respectively. Recovery of a south polar H2O-ice-deposition-versus-obliquity function is novel and important for elucidating Mars' global water cycle; previous south polar layer analyses were limited to calculation of net average deposition rates over millions of years.

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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

Cited by 9 publications

References 210 publications

Spatio‐Temporal Level Variations of the Martian Seasonal North Polar Cap From Co‐Registration of MOLA Profiles

Spatio‐Temporal Level Variations of the Martian Seasonal North Polar Cap From Co‐Registration of MOLA Profiles

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

Water Deposition Rates onto Mars' South Polar Massive CO2 Ice Deposit

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