Mira Anna Gergácz, Ákos Keresztúri (2022.08.31-12.31)

Publication: Melting possibility of remnant seasonal water ice patches on Mars

Grant: NKFIH 2020-2.1.1-ED-2021-00179

Abstract: Due to the low thermal conductivity of the Martian surface and atmosphere, it is possible that after the recession of the seasonal polar icecap, small icy patches left behind in shady places might be met by direct sunlight during the summer. This work surveyed such frost patches using HiRISE images. Analyzing 110 images out of the available 1400 pieces that fit the selection criteria of location and season, and identified 37 images with smaller ice patches on them. These areas range between 140° and 200° solar longitude in the central latitude band between -40° and -60°. The diameter of the ice patches ranges between 1.5-300 meters, and remains on the surface even after the seasonal polar cap has passed over the area for the duration range of 19-133 martian days.

With the help of The Mars Climate Database (MCD) we simulated the surface temperature and predicted CO2 and H2O ice cover at 22 analyzed areas. Judging by the models, the average noon temperature does not reach the melting point of water, which is 273 K, therefore the occurrence of liquid water on the macroscopic scale is highly unlikely, however there is a possibility that an interfacial premelting of ice (a few nanometers thick waterlayer) might form between the layered and the water ice.