The MCMC is assessing the soundness of the South Polar Residual Ice Cap (SPRC) on Mars utilizing a mixture of in-situ meteorological knowledge from the Mars Science Lab (MSL) Curiosity Rover (Figures 1 and a pair of) and Mars GCM mannequin simulations. The motivation for this analysis originates in observations of cap erosion from satellite tv for pc imagery in 2001 and once more in 2010 that recommend the cap could also be sublimating CO2 quicker than it’s replenishing it. We all know the persistence of the floor reservoir of CO2 is contingent on the equilibrium change of CO2 between the ambiance and the floor. If this course of is favoring CO2 sublimation, it might almost definitely lead to a rise in atmospheric mass.
The venture started with a seek for a sign within the in-situ floor stress knowledge that would point out atmospheric mass change (Haberle & Kahre, 2010). Having recognized that sign, the present objective is to estimate the web change in atmospheric mass, if any, as a consequence of CO2 sublimation from the cap.
This venture is improved by the addition of a brand new Mars GCM primarily based on the NOAA/GFDL cubed sphere dynamical core. At 1/4-degree decision, the mannequin resolves main options of Gale Crater the place Curiosity resides. The brand new GCM offers a method of mitigating the consequences of bodily and dynamical processes within the ambiance so we will isolate the consequences of CO2 content material for our research. Preliminary outcomes estimate an atmospheric loss fee of ~5 Pascals per Mars Decade, which is corresponding to the year-2 MSL sensor accuracy (~4 Pa). Coupled with the unsure accuracy of the VL2 stress sensor, we see no compelling proof for secular local weather change, a end result in step with current refinements in precise cap loss charges (see Thomas et al. 2016, Byrne et al. 2015, Becerra et al. 2015). Nevertheless, current developments within the new GCM may enhance mannequin physics and will alter these outcomes. We’re at the moment working with these modifications to supply a extra correct reply to the SCC downside.
