A numerical circulation model with topography for the Martian southern hemisphere.
Abstract
A two-level numerical model taking account of the observed planetary topography is applied to the general circulation of the Martian atmosphere in the southern hemisphere. The physics of this model is based on the assumption of a hydrostatic quasi-geostrophic ideal-gas atmosphere composed entirely of carbon dioxide; radiative transfer among the atmosphere, space, and the ground is included along with surface friction. The calculations indicate the development of near-equilibrium weather systems after about five model days, weather systems and velocity fields whose positions appear to be connected with topography, and a midlatitude jet stream strikingly similar to the terrestrial case. The results also suggest that the vertical and horizontal wind components in western Hellas and eastern Argyre produce copious amounts of suspendible dust each year, that both major and minor dust storms should be a common occurrence on Mars, and that the entire south circumpolar zone appears to be a dust sink in winter.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
- Pub Date:
- August 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1175/1520-0469(1976)033<1418:ANCMWT>2.0.CO;2
- Bibcode:
- 1976JAtS...33.1418M
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Atmospheric Circulation;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Mars Atmosphere;
- Mars Surface;
- Carbon Dioxide;
- Dust Storms;
- Mathematical Models;
- Planetary Meteorology;
- Radiative Transfer;
- Southern Hemisphere