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Small-scale trench in the north polar region of Mars: Evolution of surface frost and ground ice concentration

Authors :
Kossacki, Konrad J.
Markiewicz, Wojciech J.
Source :
Icarus. Jan, 2009, Vol. 199 Issue 1, p75, 11 p.
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2008.09.003 Byline: Konrad J. Kossacki (a), Wojciech J. Markiewicz (b) Keywords: Mars; surface; Water Abstract: In this paper we attempt to answer the question, how formation of a small-scale trench in the martian regolith affects local distribution of the subsurface ice. We are especially interested in the consequences of digging a trench to search for buried ice, as has been done during the Phoenix Mars Lander mission. However, the results may be also applicable for natural troughs, or cracks. We present results of simulations of diurnal exchange of water between the regolith and the atmosphere. Our model includes the heat and vapor migration in the regolith surrounding the trench, as well as formation of diurnal frost. We take into account scattering of light in the atmosphere and on the trench facets, as well as changes of atmospheric humidity on diurnal and seasonal time scales. Our calculations show, that the measurements of ice content in a sample obtained within one, or two days from the beginning of digging should not be affected. However, on somewhat longer time scale at the south facing site of the trench the regolith can be significantly depleted from ice. This effect should be taken into account if the excavation and taking samples from different depths will be performed in stages separated in time by a month, or more. Author Affiliation: (a) Institute of Geophysics of Warsaw University, Pasteura 7, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland (b) Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Max-Planck-Street 2, D-37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany Article History: Received 26 February 2008; Revised 3 September 2008; Accepted 9 September 2008

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00191035
Volume :
199
Issue :
1
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Icarus
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.190661508