The 1997 Spring Regression of the Martian South Polar Cap: Mars Orbiter Camera Observations
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Abstract
The Mars Orbiter cameras (MOC) on Mars Global Surveyor observed the south polar cap of Mars during its spring recession in 1997. The images acquired by the wide angle cameras reveal a pattern of recession that is qualitatively similar to that observed by Viking in 1977 but that does differ in at least two respects. The 1977 recession in the 0o to 120o longitude sector was accelerated relative to the 1997 observations after LS = 240o; the Mountains of Mitchel also detached from the main cap earlier in 1997. Comparison of the MOC images with Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data shows that the Mountains of Mitchel feature is controlled by local topography. Relatively dark, low albedo regions well within the boundaries of the seasonal cap were observed to have red-to-violet ratios that characterize them as frost units rather than unfrosted or partially frosted ground; this suggests the possibility of regions covered by CO2 frost having different grain sizes.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The 1997 Spring Regression of the Martian South Polar Cap: Mars Orbiter Camera Observations |
| Series title | Icarus |
| DOI | 10.1006/icar.1999.6289 |
| Volume | 144 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 2000 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Icarus |
| First page | 410 |
| Last page | 418 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |