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  1. KEEP
  2. Theses and Dissertations
  3. Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
  4. Characterizing Diurnal Density and Temperature Variations in the Martian Atmosphere Using Data/Model Comparisons
  5. Full metadata

Characterizing Diurnal Density and Temperature Variations in the Martian Atmosphere Using Data/Model Comparisons

Full metadata

Description

This project focuses on using Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) density data for carbon dioxide, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen during deep dip campaigns 5, 6, and 8. Density profiles obtained from NGIMS were plotted against simulated density profiles from the Mars Global Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model (MGITM). Averaged temperature profiles were also plotted for the three deep dip campaigns, using NGIMS data and MGITM output. MGITM was also used as a tool to uncover potential heat balance terms needed to reproduce the mean density and temperature profiles measured by NGIMS.

This method of using NGIMS data as a validation tool for MGITM simulations has been tested previously using dayside data from deep dip campaigns 2 and 8. In those cases, MGITM was able to accurately reproduce the measured density and temperature profiles; however, in the deep dip 5 and 6 campaigns, the results are not quite the same, due to the highly variable nature of the nightside thermosphere. MGITM was able to fairly accurately reproduce the density and temperature profiles for deep dip 5, but the deep dip 6 model output showed unexpected significant variation. The deep dip 6 results reveal possible changes to be made to MGITM to more accurately reflect the observed structure of the nighttime thermosphere. In particular, upgrading the model to incorporate a suitable gravity wave parameterization should better capture the role of global winds in maintaining the nighttime thermospheric structure.

This project reveals that there still exist many unknowns about the structure and dynamics of the night side of the Martian atmosphere, as well as significant diurnal variations in density. Further study is needed to uncover these unknowns and their role in atmospheric mass loss.

Date Created
2019-05
Contributors
  • Robinson, Jenna (Author)
  • Desch, Steven (Thesis director)
  • Hervig, Richard (Committee member)
  • School of Earth and Space Exploration (Contributor)
  • School for the Future of Innovation in Society (Contributor)
  • School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
  • Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Topical Subject
  • astrobiology
  • Planetary Science
  • Mars
  • Atmospheric Evolution
Resource Type
Text
Extent
13 pages
Language
eng
Copyright Statement
In Copyright
Primary Member of
Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
Series
Academic Year 2018-2019
Handle
https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.52600
Level of coding
minimal
Cataloging Standards
asu1
System Created
  • 2019-04-18 12:00:06
System Modified
  • 2021-08-11 04:09:57
  •     
  • 1 year 7 months ago
Additional Formats
  • OAI Dublin Core
  • MODS XML

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