Quantitative studies of the Martian south polar region using spacecraft images
Mariner 9 images were processed for comparison with nearly simultaneous infrared spectra of the south polar cap of Mars. Combined analysis of these observations indicates that the southern residual cap was covered by carbon dioxide frost throughout the summer of 1971-72. Five color/albedo units have been recognized and mapped in the southern layered deposits on Mars. Shadow brightnesses were measured and modeled in order to correct for the effects of atmospheric scattering and quantify the albedo and color of the surface. The layered deposits appear to be mantled by red dust, except where eolian stripping has exposed the darker, less red underlying bedrock. Frost and bare ground are mixed below the resolution of the images in many areas, some of which appear to be younger than the surrounding layered terrain. The available observational data suggest that the layered deposits are composed of bright dust, water ice, and a small amount of dark material. Weathering of the layered deposits by sublimation of water ice can account for the data presented here and previous observations of the north polar deposits. The non-volatile component of the layered deposits appears to consist mainly of bright red dust, with small amounts of dark dust or sand. Dark dust, perhaps similar to the magnetic material found at the Viking Lander sites, may preferentially form filamentary residue particle upon weathering of the deposits. Once eroded, these particles may saltate to form the dark dunes found in both polar regions. Eventual destruction of the particle could allow recycling of the dark dust into the layered deposits via atmospheric suspension.
- Research Organization:
- California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6593199
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
MARS PLANET
POLAR REGIONS
BRIGHTNESS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
DUSTS
ICE
INFRARED SPECTRA
MAPPING
MARINER SPACE PROBES
WEATHERING
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLANETS
SPACE VEHICLES
SPECTRA
VEHICLES
640107* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Planetary Phenomena