| David HinsonCurriculum Vitae: 
Projects
Investigation of Planetary Scale Atmospheric Dynamics Through Analysis of Data From Mars Global Surveyor
NNX08AL24G
We propose to investigate the large-scale dynamics of the Martian atmosphere through analysis of radio occultation data from Mars Global Surveyor (MGS). We will apply analysis tools developed by the PI in previous investigations to characterize the behavior of transient eddies and stationary Rossby wayes in both the northern and southern hemispheres. We will examine key aspects of eddy behavior, including the abrupt mode transitions, the near-surface meridional winds, the intensification of eddy activity within longitude bands called "storm zones," and the remarkable influence of northern baroclinic eddies on the dust loading of the Martian atmosphere. We will identify seasonal patterns of behavior that repeat from year to year and investigate the character and significance of interannual variations. We will supplement these steps of data analysis with numerical simulations by a Mars General Circulation Model (MGCMI first testing the performance of the MGCM against the data and then using the validated simulation to further interpret the observations. In addition, we will analyze occultation measurements of geopotential height to determine whether any resonant enhancement of the diurnal, wave-l Kelvin wave occurs near northern summer solstice, and we will use the results to develop improved MGCM simulations of its seasonal evolution. This investigation will contribute to a more continuous and complete climatological record by bridging the sizable gap between atmospheric observations by the MGS Thermal Emission Spectrometer and the Mars Climate Sounder onboard the Mars ReconnaissanceO rbiter. The results of this investigation can help reduce the uncertainties faced during aerobraking and aerocapture on future missions to Mars. The investigation will contribute to an improved understanding of the current climate, which serves as a baseline for studies of past and future climate.
|
|