Open AccessThermal Emission Spectrometer results: Mars atmospheric thermal structure and aerosol distribution
Author(s) -
Smith Michael D.,
Pearl John C.,
Conrath Barney J.,
Christensen Philip R.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2000je001321
Subject(s) - atmosphere of mars , atmosphere (unit) , atmospheric sciences , dust storm , nadir , environmental science , opacity , mars exploration program , northern hemisphere , thermal , aerosol , infrared , martian , geology , astrobiology , meteorology , physics , astronomy , satellite , optics
Infrared spectra returned by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) are well suited for retrieval of the thermal structure and the distribution of aerosols in the Martian atmosphere. Combined nadir‐ and limb‐viewing spectra allow global monitoring of the atmosphere up to 0.01 mbar (65 km). We report here on the atmospheric thermal structure and the distribution of aerosols as observed thus far during the mapping phase of the Mars Global Surveyor mission. Zonal and temporal mean cross sections are used to examine the seasonal evolution of atmospheric temperatures and zonal winds during a period extending from northern hemisphere midsummer through vernal equinox ( L s = 104°–360°). Temperature maps at selected pressure levels provide a characterization of planetary‐scale waves. Retrieved atmospheric infrared dust opacity maps show the formation and evolution of regional dust storms during southern hemisphere summer. Response of the atmospheric thermal structure to the changing dust loading is observed. Maps of water‐ice clouds as viewed in the thermal infrared are presented along with seasonal trends of infrared water‐ice opacity. Uses of these observations for diagnostic studies of the dynamics of the atmosphere are discussed.