Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Studies of the Martian Atmosphere Over Jezero From Pressure Measurements

The pressure sensors on Mars rover Perseverance measure the pressure field in the Jezero crater on regular hourly basis starting in sol 15 after landing. The present study extends up to sol 460 encompassing the range of solar longitudes from L-s similar to 13 degrees-241 degrees (Martian Year (MY) 36). The data show the changing daily pressure cycle, the sol-to-sol seasonal evolution of the mean pressure field driven by the CO2 sublimation and deposition cycle at the poles, the characterization of up to six components of the atmospheric tides and their relationship to dust content in the atmosphere. They also show the presence of wave disturbances with periods 2-5 sols, exploring their baroclinic nature, short period oscillations (mainly at night-time) in the range 8-24 min that we interpret as internal gravity waves, transient pressure drops with duration similar to 1-150 s produced by vortices, and rapid turbulent fluctuations. We also analyze the effects on pressure measurements produced by a regional dust storm over Jezero at L-s similar to 155 degrees.

Automated summary

This study uses the pressure sensors on Mars rover Perseverance to measure the pressure field in the Jezero crater on an hourly basis. The study covers the period from sol 15 to sol 460, revealing the daily pressure cycle, seasonal evolution of the mean pressure field driven by CO2 sublimation and deposition at the poles, characterization of atmospheric tides and their relationship to dust content, wave disturbances with periods of 2-5 sols, short period oscillations interpreted as internal gravity waves, transient pressure drops produced by vortices, and turbulent fluctuations. The study also analyzes the effects of a regional dust storm over Jezero at L-s 155 degrees on pressure measurements.