The temperature on mars
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Temperature on Mars: An Overview
Martian Surface Temperature Distribution
The surface temperature on Mars varies significantly across different regions and times of the day. Historical radiometric measurements have shown that the bright areas along the center of the Martian disk have temperatures ranging from -10°C to +5°C, while the dark areas can reach temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. The polar regions exhibit extreme temperatures, with the north polar region maintaining a constant -70°C during winter and the south polar region reaching up to 10°C during summer6.
Seasonal and Diurnal Temperature Variations
Mars experiences substantial temperature fluctuations both seasonally and diurnally. Near-surface atmospheric temperatures, measured by the Mars Exploration Rovers, are consistently about 20 K cooler than the surface temperatures during the warmest part of the day, which occurs around 1300-1400 local true solar time. Seasonal cooling trends are also evident, with temperatures fluctuating by as much as 8 K during the early afternoon hours when the near-surface atmosphere is unstable5.
Impact of Milankovitch Cycles
The temperature on Mars is influenced by Milankovitch cycles, particularly precession and obliquity. The annual mean surface temperature near ±60° latitude varies predominantly with precession, while at other latitudes, it is controlled by the obliquity cycle. This phenomenon affects the margins of ice-rich permafrost layers, causing shifts in temperature amplitude and reradiation into space2.
Thermal Properties and Heat Conduction
The thermal inertia of the Martian surface, which affects how quickly it heats up and cools down, varies between bright and dark areas. The mean microwave brightness temperature of Mars is about 200 K, and the thermal inertia suggests average particle sizes of about 100 µm. The latitudinal temperature gradient indicates temperatures of approximately 145 K at 60° winter latitudes, consistent with a polar cap composed partly of CO2. Minimum temperatures at all latitudes fall below 190 K, leading to the condensation of atmospheric water vapor at night1.
Early Martian Climate
The early Martian climate is believed to have been warmer and wetter, allowing for fluvial erosion. However, a CO2 and H2O atmosphere alone could not have produced mean planetary temperatures close to 0°C. Modest warming could have been achieved with a low-pressure CO2 atmosphere supplemented by small amounts of CH4, NH3, or SO2. Episodic high obliquities may have also contributed to temporary temperature increases4.
Theoretical Temperature Estimates
Theoretical models estimate the average surface temperature on Mars to be between 219 K and 233 K, based on radiative equilibrium considerations. These estimates align reasonably well with thermal emission observations7. Additionally, the average vertical temperature distribution in the Martian atmosphere is controlled by radiative and convective processes, with an adiabatic troposphere extending to about 9 km above the surface8.
Implications for Microbial Life
While average temperatures on Mars are generally too low to support terrestrial life-forms, diurnal peak temperatures can be high enough to allow for metabolic activity and the presence of liquid aqueous solutions beneath the surface. This is particularly true within 40 degrees of the equator, where temperatures of 253 K can be reached for some parts of the year3.
Conclusion
Mars exhibits a complex and dynamic temperature profile influenced by various factors, including its thermal properties, seasonal and diurnal cycles, and historical climate conditions. Understanding these temperature variations is crucial for future exploration and the potential for sustaining life on the Red Planet.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Martian temperatures and thermal properties
Martian temperatures are consistent with predictions, suggesting a polar cap composed of CO2 and a minimum temperature below 190°K at all latitudes.
Temperature response of Mars to Milankovitch cycles
Mars annual surface temperature near 60° latitude varies primarily with precession, not closely related to annual mean insolation, and is influenced by the obliquity cycle.
Dynamic temperature fields under Mars landing sites and implications for supporting microbial life.
Mars has diurnal peak temperatures high enough to support terrestrial life-forms and aqueous liquids, but life-forms must endure daily excursions to colder temperatures and periods when 253 K is never reached.
Early Mars: How Warm and How Wet?
Early Mars experienced a warmer, wetter climate, but its temperature may have been driven by geothermal heat and impacts, rather than precipitation.
Highly CitedSurface and near-surface atmospheric temperatures for the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites
Near-surface atmospheric temperatures on Mars are consistently 20 K cooler than surface temperatures, with seasonal cooling trends and seasonal variations in temperature variations.
Theoretical estimates of the average surface temperature on mars
The average surface temperature on Mars is in the range 219K to 233K, with reasonable agreement between theoretical computations and thermal emission observations.
A THEORETICAL ESTIMATE OF THE AVERAGE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE IN THE MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE
The Martian atmosphere has an average temperature profile with a adiabatic troposphere extending to 9 km, and a temperature decrease with height to about 90°K for the topmost 5 mb layer.
Martian Windchill in Terrestrial Terms
Mars' windchill is less dangerous than it sounds due to weak convection and a meager atmosphere, making it more comfortable for humans than previously thought.
3D modelling of the early Martian Climate under a denser CO2 atmosphere: Temperatures and CO2 ice clouds.
Early Mars had a cold climate, with no evidence for liquid water on the surface, and nonclimatic mechanisms must explain the evidence for liquid water.
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