Stratigraphic and Isotopic Evolution of the Martian Polar Caps From Paleo-Climate Models

Exposed scarps images and ice-penetrating radar measurements in the North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) of Mars show alternating layers that provide an archive of past climate oscillations, that are thought to be linked to orbital variations, akin to Milankovitch cycles on Earth. We use the Laboratoire de Meteorologie Dynamique Martian Global Climate Model to study paleoclimate states to enable a better interpretation of the NPLD physical and chemical stratigraphy. When a tropical ice reservoir is present, water vapor transport from the tropics to the poles at low obliquity is modulated by the intensity of summer. At times of low and relatively constant obliquity, the flux still varies due to other orbital elements, promoting polar layer formation. Ice migrates from the tropics toward the poles in two stages. First, when surface ice is present in the tropics, and second, when the equatorial deposit is exhausted, from ice that was previously deposited in mid-high latitudes. The polar accumulation rate is significantly higher when tropical ice is available, forming thicker layers per orbital cycle. However, the majority of the NPLD is sourced from ice that temporary resided in the mid-high latitudes and the layers become thinner as the source location moves poleward. The migration stages imprint different D/H ratios in different sections in the PLDs. The NPLD is isotopically depleted compared to the South Polar Layered Deposits in all simulations. Thus we predict the D/H ratio of the atmosphere in contact with NPLD upper layers is biased relative to the average global ice reservoirs.

Automated summary

The exposed scarps and ice-penetrating radar measurements in the North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) of Mars provide valuable information about past climate oscillations, which are believed to be influenced by orbital variations similar to Milankovitch cycles on Earth. A global climate model is used to study the paleoclimate states and better interpret the physical and chemical stratigraphy of the NPLD. The research shows that ice migration from the tropics to the poles occurs in two stages, with the availability of tropical ice significantly affecting the polar accumulation rate.