The Mars Pathfinder atmospheric structure investigation/meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment.
The Mars Pathfinder atmospheric structure investigation/meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment measured the vertical density, pressure, and temperature structure of the martian atmosphere from the surface to 160 km, and monitored surface meteorology and climate for 83 sols (1 sol = 1 martian day = 24.7 hours). The atmospheric structure and the weather record are similar to those observed by the Viking 1 lander (VL-1) at the same latitude, altitude, and season 21 years ago, but there are differences related to diurnal effects and the surface properties of the landing site. These include a cold nighttime upper atmosphere; atmospheric temperatures that are 10 to 12 degrees kelvin warmer near the surface; light slope-controlled winds; and dust devils, identified by their pressure, wind, and temperature signatures. The results are consistent with the warm, moderately dusty atmosphere seen by VL-1.
Schofield
J T
JT
J. T. Schofield and D. Crisp, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA.
Barnes
J R
JR
Crisp
D
D
Haberle
R M
RM
Larsen
S
S
Magalhães
J A
JA
Murphy
J R
JR
Seiff
A
A
Wilson
G
G
D001272:Atmosphere; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D018535:Mars; D011312:Pressure; D013696:Temperature; D014919:Wind
D002245:Carbon Dioxide