Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Solar radiation incident on the Martian surface.

W R Kuhn, S K Atreya

    Journal of Molecular Evolution
    |December 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Maximum solar radiation on Mars reaches 325 cal/cm2 in summer. Ultraviolet radiation is affected by ozone and carbon dioxide, significantly reducing surface exposure, especially at shorter wavelengths.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Clusters of cyclones encircling Jupiter's poles.

    Nature·2018
    Same author

    Oxidants at the Surface of Mars: A Review in Light of Recent Exploration Results.

    Astrobiology·2016
    Same author

    Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars.

    Journal of geophysical research. Planets·2015
    Same author

    Mars atmosphere. The imprint of atmospheric evolution in the D/H of Hesperian clay minerals on Mars.

    Science (New York, N.Y.)·2014
    Same author

    Volatile and organic compositions of sedimentary rocks in Yellowknife Bay, Gale crater, Mars.

    Science (New York, N.Y.)·2013
    Same author

    Volatile, isotope, and organic analysis of martian fines with the Mars Curiosity rover.

    Science (New York, N.Y.)·2013

    Area of Science:

    • Planetary Science
    • Atmospheric Science
    • Astrobiology

    Background:

    • Understanding Martian surface radiation is crucial for assessing habitability and designing future missions.
    • The Martian atmosphere, composed primarily of carbon dioxide, and trace ozone, significantly influences surface radiation levels.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To calculate and present the daily and latitudinal distributions of solar radiation reaching the Martian surface.
    • To analyze the impact of atmospheric constituents, specifically ozone and carbon dioxide, on solar radiation at different wavelengths.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized radiative transfer calculations to model solar radiation.
    • Analyzed spectral distributions at specific wavelengths (3000 A, 2500 A, 2000 A).
    • Considered latitudinal and seasonal variations in the southern hemisphere.

    Main Results:

    • Maximum daily solar radiation is approximately 325 cal/cm2 at 40 degrees S during southern summer.
    • Ultraviolet radiation >2800 A is minimally attenuated (<10%) in the upper atmosphere.
    • Ozone causes significant extinction near 2500 A, reducing surface radiation by up to 1000-fold in winter.
    • Carbon dioxide absorption virtually eliminates radiation <1900 A at the surface.

    Conclusions:

    • Martian surface solar radiation is highly dependent on wavelength, latitude, and season.
    • Atmospheric ozone and carbon dioxide play critical roles in filtering solar radiation, impacting surface conditions.
    • These findings are essential for astrobiological studies and planning robotic/human exploration of Mars.

    Related Experiment Videos