CaltechAUTHORS
  A Caltech Library Service

Mars: The case against permanent CO_2 frost caps

Ingersoll, Andrew P. (1974) Mars: The case against permanent CO_2 frost caps. Journal of Geophysical Research, 79 (24). pp. 3403-3410. ISSN 0148-0227. doi:10.1029/JC079i024p03403. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130624-085352446

[img]
Preview
PDF - Published Version
See Usage Policy.

1MB

Use this Persistent URL to link to this item: https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130624-085352446

Abstract

Leighton and Murray have argued that there is a polar reservoir of solid CO_2 on Mars that lasts throughout the year and whose vapor pressure determines the mean partial pressure of CO_2 in the atmosphere. This model is discussed in the light of recent data, and several difficulties emerge. First, such a system might be unstable, owing to the tendency of poleward heat transport to increase with atmospheric pressure. Second, the annual retreat of the CO_2 frost cover would be slower according to the model than that observed. Moreover, the observations seem to indicate that the residual polar cap that lasts throughout the year is composed of water ice rather than CO_2. Finally, observations of water vapor in the atmosphere appear to be inconsistent with a permanent CO_2 cold trap in continuous existence for many years. These difficulties hold also for a CO_2 reservoir buried by water ice and for a hydrated CO_2 clathrate. If Leighton and Murray's model does not apply, several alternatives remain. First, the total accumulated CO_2 may simply be equal to that observed in the atmosphere. Second, there may be a buried reservoir of CO_2 that is not in vapor equilibrium with the atmosphere. Third, adsorption of CO_2 and water in the Mars regolith may control the amounts of these compounds observed in the atmosphere at present. Unfortunately, not one of these alternatives provides a satisfactory quantitative theory for the present CO_2 partial pressure in the atmosphere.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/JC079i024p03403DOIArticle
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/JC079i024p03403/abstractPublisherArticle
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Ingersoll, Andrew P.0000-0002-2035-9198
Additional Information:© 1974 by the American Geophysical Union. The following people have provided useful comments, criticisms, and encouragement: Bruce Murray, Geoffrey Briggs, Robert Leighton, Peter Woiceshyn, Frazer Fanale, Hugh Kieffer, and Jeffrey Cuzzi. This work was supported by NASA grant NGL 05-002-003. Contribution 2430, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NASANGL-05-002-003
Other Numbering System:
Other Numbering System NameOther Numbering System ID
Caltech Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences2430
Issue or Number:24
DOI:10.1029/JC079i024p03403
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20130624-085352446
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20130624-085352446
Official Citation:Ingersoll, A. P. (1974), Mars: The case against permanent CO2 frost caps, J. Geophys. Res., 79(24), 3403–3410, doi:10.1029/JC079i024p03403.
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:39043
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:24 Jun 2013 16:04
Last Modified:09 Nov 2021 23:42

Repository Staff Only: item control page