Journal
ICARUS
Volume 408, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2023.115819
Keywords
Mars; Mars, atmosphere; Atmospheres, dynamics
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Gravity waves in the lower atmosphere of Mars play a crucial role in the planet's atmospheric dynamics and energy balance. Statistical analysis of observed brightness temperatures allows for the study of global gravity wave activity on Mars. Using data from the Mars Global Surveyor's Thermal Emission Spectrometer, researchers explore the spatial and seasonal variability of gravity wave activity at different scales. Results show that topography and seasons influence gravity wave activity, with a decrease in activity at higher altitudes and during global dust storms.
Gravity waves (GW) in the lower atmosphere play an important part in Mars' atmospheric dynamics and energy balance, transferring momentum and energy to higher altitudes and affecting cloud formation. Gravity wave activity at the global scale on Mars can be studied from statistical analysis of variances of brightness temperatures observed by orbiting instruments. We use observations collected by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) aboard Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) during Mars Years 24-27 to explore spatial and seasonal variability of GW activity at horizontal scales similar to 100 km and on vertical scales >40 km. TES radiances were re-sampled to Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) spectral channels A1 (595-615 cm(-1)), A2 (615-645 cm(-1)) and A3 (635-665 cm(-1)) in the wings of the 15 mu m CO2 band to sense GWs in the lower atmosphere. Results show that GW activity correlates with topographic roughness and is likely excited by orographic sources. GW activity decreases significantly with height, suggesting critical level filtering. During the global dust storm (GDS) of MY25 GW activity decreased substantially in the southern hemisphere. High levels of instrument noise that varied through the TES mission make it difficult to make a definitive statement about interannual variability in GW activity.
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