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The Effect of CO2 Ice Cap Sublimation on Mars AtmosphereSublimation of the polar CO2 ice caps on Mars is an ongoing phenomenon that may be contributing to secular climate change on Mars. The transfer of CO2 between the surface and atmosphere via sublimation and deposition may alter atmospheric mass such that net atmospheric mass is increasing despite seasonal variations in CO2 transfer. My study builds on previous studies by Kahre and Haberle that analyze and compare data from the Phoenix and Viking Landers 1 and 2 to determine whether secular climate change is happening on Mars. In this project, I use two years worth of temperature, pressure, and elevation data from the MSL Curiosity rover to create a program that allows for successful comparison of Curiosity pressure data to Viking Lander pressure data so a conclusion can be drawn regarding whether CO2 ice cap sublimation is causing a net increase in atmospheric mass and is thus contributing to secular climate change on Mars.
Document ID
20160010510
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Batterson, Courtney (Creighton Univ. Omaha, NE, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2016
Publication Date
August 3, 2016
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN34397
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX15AI09H
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
CO2
Mars
Mars Secular Climate Change

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