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 0° to 120° longitude sector was accelerated relative to the 1997 observations after LS = 240°; 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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 410-418 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Icarus |
| Volume | 144 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 2000 |
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Keywords
- Mars atmosphere
- Mars climate
- Mars surface
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Space and Planetary Science
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Cite this
The 1997 Spring Regression of the Martian South Polar Cap : Mars Orbiter Camera Observations. / James, P. B.; Cantor, B. A.; Malin, M. C.; Edgett, K.; Carr, M. H.; Danielson, G. E.; Ingersoll, A. P.; Davies, M. E.; Hartmann, W. K.; McEwen, Alfred S.; Soderblom, L. A.; Thomas, P. C.; Veverka, J.
In: Icarus, Vol. 144, No. 2, 04.2000, p. 410-418.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The 1997 Spring Regression of the Martian South Polar Cap
T2 - Mars Orbiter Camera Observations
AU - James, P. B.
AU - Cantor, B. A.
AU - Malin, M. C.
AU - Edgett, K.
AU - Carr, M. H.
AU - Danielson, G. E.
AU - Ingersoll, A. P.
AU - Davies, M. E.
AU - Hartmann, W. K.
AU - McEwen, Alfred S.
AU - Soderblom, L. A.
AU - Thomas, P. C.
AU - Veverka, J.
PY - 2000/4
Y1 - 2000/4
N2 - 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 0° to 120° longitude sector was accelerated relative to the 1997 observations after LS = 240°; 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.
AB - 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 0° to 120° longitude sector was accelerated relative to the 1997 observations after LS = 240°; 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.
KW - Mars atmosphere
KW - Mars climate
KW - Mars surface
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0001322950&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0001322950&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1006/icar.1999.6289
DO - 10.1006/icar.1999.6289
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0001322950
VL - 144
SP - 410
EP - 418
JO - Icarus
JF - Icarus
SN - 0019-1035
IS - 2
ER -