Implications of Martian polar insolation levels on the climatic cycling of volatiles
Name
48614974-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
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10.04 MB
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Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
e73f25371c5f5dbdf726f7ad33004217
Author(s)
Arrell, Russell, 1975-
Advisor(s)
Maria Zuber.
Date Issued
2000
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Solar insolation at the poles is the driving force in Mars' seasonal climatic cycle. Mars' obliquity has varied greatly in the geologically recent past and this would have had a profound effect on the past climate. Previous studies have always assumed a spherical planet when calculating insolation. This study uses a geodetic elevation model (GEM) of the elevation data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter, to provide accurate insolation calculations. This method takes into account the long and shortwavelength topography, the planetary curvature, and the planetary flattening. This paper outlines the design and implementation of a GEM, and presents insolation calculations for Mar's north polar cap for obliquities of 150, 250 and 450. This study found that the elevation of the northern ice cap above the surroundings results in the ice cap having more days of sunlight than previously thought.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, 2000.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 35-36).
Subjects
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
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