Are Cloud Bands on Mars Rare or Not
Abstract
The atmosphere of Mars is ever changing. White water ice clouds, yellowish dust clouds, bluish limb hazes, and bright surface frosts have been studied with increasing interest in the past decades. We are beginning to think these clouds are related to the seasonal sublimation and condensation of polar caps. Statistical analysis indicates that water ice-crystal cloud activity and near-surface "fog" occurrence is significantly higher in the Martian Northern spring and summer than the same seasons for the Southern Hemisphere. This period also coincides with periods when the northern polar cap is in rapid retreat. To a lesser extent, clouds increase in frequency during southern summer polar cap rapid retreat as well. Until recently little attention has been paid to another phenomena seen on Mars during both of the polar cap's respective yearly retreat. This being an atmospheric cloud referred to as cloud bands.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391897
Entities
People
- Jeff Beish