Optical Depth Of The Martian Atmosphere From Hrsc Stereo Images
Abstract
The Mars Express Orbiter will arrive at Mars in the beginning of 2004. One of the primary tasks of this mission will be to map in stereo at least half of the Martian surface with the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). HRSC will image the sur- face in five angle stereo as well as in five colours between 440 nm and 970 nm. The Martian atmosphere contains large amounts of dust as well as other aerosols which scatter and absorb the incident solar light. Interpretation of the images with respect to the surface requires careful consideration of this atmospheric effect. An essential pa- rameter of such analysis is the total optical depth. The brightness differences between illuminated and shadowed regions offer one way to estimate optical depths. Analyzing the differences between stereo images offers another. We present preliminary results of the optical depth retrieved from HRSC images taken of Stromboli Island from an aeroplane. We discuss the accuracy and limitation of these retrievals in the context of the coming flight of HRSC to Mars.
- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.4731H