Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
10.8K
The Vertical Dust Profile over Gale Crater, Mars
Scott D Guzewich1, C E Newman2, M D Smith1
1NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, 8800 Greenbelt Road, Code 693, Greenbelt, MD 20771.
Summary
Researchers mapped Mars
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Mars Science
Background:
- Understanding Martian dust distribution is crucial for climate modeling.
- Previous studies lacked complete vertical dust profiles over Gale Crater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a comprehensive vertical dust mixing ratio profile from the Martian surface to the upper atmosphere over Gale Crater.
- To analyze seasonal dust cycles in different atmospheric layers.
- To determine the occurrence of high-altitude dust layers.
Main Methods:
- Combined orbital Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) and rover (MSL Curiosity) data.
- Utilized MarsWRF general circulation model for planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth.
- Developed a three-region atmospheric model to solve for dust mixing ratios.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct seasonal dust cycles in the Gale PBL and the overlying atmosphere.
- The lower atmosphere shows a dust maximum near the summer solstice (Ls = 270°).
- The upper layer follows the global opacity cycle, peaking near Ls = 240°.
- 36% of MCS profiles revealed an absolute high-altitude dust layer over Gale Crater.
Conclusions:
- A complete vertical dust profile over Gale Crater reveals unique seasonal variations.
- The frequency of high-altitude dust layers is significant, impacting atmospheric dynamics.
- This study provides a foundational dataset for Martian atmospheric and climate research.
Related Concept Videos
Impact: Problem Solving
401
In an experiment conducted during a Mars mission, a rover propels a projectile with an initial velocity, and the projectile rebounds after colliding with the Martian surface. To ascertain the maximum height attained by the projectile after this collision, the known restitution coefficient and acceleration due to gravity are employed.
By designating the launch point as the origin and utilizing kinematic equations, the vertical component of the projectile's velocity at the point of impact is...
By designating the launch point as the origin and utilizing kinematic equations, the vertical component of the projectile's velocity at the point of impact is...
401
Acceleration due to Gravity on Other Planets
4.8K
The gravitational acceleration of an object near the Earth's surface is called the acceleration due to gravity. It can be measured by conducting simple experiments on Earth. However, such an experiment is impossible to conduct on the surface of other planets.
Astronomical observations are thus used to measure the acceleration due to gravity on other planets. This can be determined by observing the effect of a planet's gravity on objects close to it. The crucial factor that helps in this...
Astronomical observations are thus used to measure the acceleration due to gravity on other planets. This can be determined by observing the effect of a planet's gravity on objects close to it. The crucial factor that helps in this...
4.8K
Influence of Earth's Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction on Leveling
706
During leveling, the Earth's curvature and atmospheric refraction introduce deviations in the line of sight from a true horizontal reference. When the line of sight is leveled, it remains perpendicular to the plumb line only at a single point. Beyond this, it deviates due to the Earth’s curvature, represented by the correction C. For a sight distance D, the deviation can be derived using the relationship:This relationship shows that the deviation increases quadratically with distance. Over a...
706
Profile Leveling and Cross Sections
1.4K
Profile leveling and cross-sections are surveying methods used to determine and document terrain elevations for infrastructure projects such as highways, railroads, canals, and pipelines. These methods provide data for earthwork planning and alignment of proposed routes. Profile leveling involves measuring elevations along a fixed line to create a vertical terrain profile. A surveyor sets up a leveling instrument at the benchmark (BM) and records a backsight (BS) to determine the...
1.4K
Taping Over Different Ground Profiles
234
Taping over varying ground profiles requires careful adaptation to achieve accurate measurements. On smooth, level ground with minimal vegetation, the tape can rest directly on the ground. Here, the taping team, typically consisting of a head and a rear tapeman, coordinates their positions with clear communication. The rear tapeman holds the tape at the starting point and guides the head tapeman toward a range pole placed beyond the endpoint, using hand or voice signals to ensure alignment.On...
234
Variation in Acceleration due to Gravity near the Earth's Surface
2.7K
An object's apparent weight is its weight measured by a spring balance at its location. It is different from its true weight, the force with which the Earth pulls it, because of the Earth's rotation. Mathematically, an object's apparent weight equals its true weight minus the centripetal force that keeps it in a circular motion along with the Earth's surface every 24 hours.
The difference between the true and apparent weights is proportional to the square of the Earth's...
The difference between the true and apparent weights is proportional to the square of the Earth's...
2.7K

