The origin of perennial water-ice at the South Pole of Mars |
The origin of perennial water-ice at the South Pole of Mars |
Jul 13 2007, 02:24 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 156 Joined: 18-March 05 From: Germany Member No.: 211 |
A publication accepted by JGR describes how the orbit of Mars around the sun could affect the deposition of water-ice at the Martian South Pole. Possibly, the buildup and erosion of water ice is coupled to the precession cycle of Mars. This was deduced from Mars Express observations and a model of the Martian climate.
It is also described that the erosion of water ice at the Martian South Pole was stopped by the formation of CO2-ice only about 1000 years ago. This CO2 now suits as a cold trap and enables the formation of water ice in a small area around the pole (south of 87°S). All the details can be found in this ESA press release: http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEMKZRNSP3F_0.html Michael 'On the origin of perennial water ice at the South Pole of Mars: a precession-controlled mechanism?', by F. Montmessin, R. M. Haberle, F. Forget, Y. Langevin, R. T. Clancy and J.-P. Bibring, accepted for publication in the JGR Planets journal, and presented at the 7th International Conference on Mars, Pasadena, California (9-13 July 2007) |
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