Abstract
Mars’ seasonal north polar cap (hereafter sNPC) underwent year-to-year changes between 2008 and 2015 or Mars years 29–33. The writer monitored changes in the sNPC using images made with the MARCI camera onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). Nine isolated bright spots corresponding to Korolev, Lomonosov, and Louth Craters, the albedo features Ierne, Olympia (or Lemuria), and Cecropia, and three unnamed features were examined. The following was concluded: 1) the sNPC underwent small year-to-year changes between 2008 and 2015 [MY = 29–33], 2) there are no years where all temporary frost features lasted longer than their mean lifespan, and 3) local clouds, dust storms, and winds may affect the location of the sNPC edge.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements: I am grateful to NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Sciences Systems for making the MRO images available at http://www.msss.com/msss_images/subject/weather_reports.htm.
Recommended Citation
Schmude, Richard W. Jr.
(2016)
"Variability of Mars' Seasonal North Polar Cap,"
Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 74, No. 2, Article 16.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol74/iss2/16