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A numerical simulation of Martian atmospheric convection with a two‐dimensional anelastic model: A case of dust‐free Mars
Author(s) -
Odaka Masatsugu
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2000gl012090
Subject(s) - martian , mars exploration program , atmospheric sciences , atmosphere (unit) , atmosphere of mars , martian surface , convection , atmospheric model , environmental science , radiative transfer , surface stress , atmospheric models , meteorology , mechanics , geology , physics , astrobiology , thermodynamics , optics , surface energy
A numerical simulation of convection in the Martian atmosphere driven by surface heating is performed with a two‐dimensional anelastic model employing radiative process appropriate for clear sky conditions. The model diurnal surface temperature variation is specified, based on typical observed diurnal variations. The simulated convection extends up to about 10 km and the maximum values of vertical and horizontal wind speeds are about 30 m/sec and 20 m/sec, respectively. The instantaneous values of calculated surface stress frequently exceed the minimum threshold value for raising dust from the surface. These results suggest that kilometer‐scale surface stresses associated with convection forced by diurnally‐varying surface heating may strongly contribute to dust injection in the Martian atmosphere.