Summer evolution of the north polar cap of Mars as observed by OMEGA/Mars Express

Science. 2005 Mar 11;307(5715):1581-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1109438. Epub 2005 Feb 17.

Abstract

The Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) visible-infrared imaging spectrometer extensively observed regions of Mars with latitudes above 70 degrees N in late 2004 (heliocentric longitude from Ls 93 degrees to Ls 127 degrees ). The extent of water ice at the surface and the size of ice grains were monitored as a function of time. Bright, small-grained frost, which initially covered a large fraction of the polar cap, waned in favor of large-grained ice. In outlying regions, dominated by large-grained ice, the albedo increased over the period. Evaluating the dust content was model dependent. However, contamination of ice by dust was low.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Ice*
  • Mars*
  • Seasons
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Water

Substances

  • Ice
  • Water
  • Carbon Dioxide