Evolution of Mars’ Northern Polar Seasonal CO2 deposits: variations in surface brightness and bulk density
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Abstract
Small scale variations of seasonal ice are explored at different geomorphic units on the Northern Polar Seasonal Cap (NPSC). We use seasonal rock shadow measurements, combined with visible and thermal observations, to calculate density over time. The coupling of volume density and albedo allows us to determine the microphysical state of the seasonal CO2 ice. We find two distinct endmembers across the NPSC: 1) Snow deposits may anneal to form an overlying slab layer that fractures. These low density deposits maintain relatively constant densities over springtime. 2) Porous slab deposits likely anneal rapidly in early spring and fracture in late spring. These high density deposits dramatically increase in density over time. The endmembers appear to be correlated with latitude.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Evolution of Mars’ Northern Polar Seasonal CO2 deposits: variations in surface brightness and bulk density |
| Series title | Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets |
| DOI | 10.1002/2014JE004706 |
| Volume | 120 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Year Published | 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Publisher location | Richmond, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | 15 p. |
| First page | 1252 |
| Last page | 1266 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |