Revisiting the Phoenix TECP data: Implications for regolith control of near-surface humidity on Mars
by Rivera-Valentin, E. G.; Chevrier, V. F.
We analyze the recalibrated in situ humidity measurements by the Phoenix lander, which landed at 68.2 degrees N, 234.3 degrees E and operated from Ls 78 degrees through Ls 148 degrees, similar to 152 sols. Vapor pressures demonstrate significant day-night variations with values ranging from 0.005 Pa to 0.37 Pa, an order of magnitude lower than previously reported, and evening derived enthalpies less than that for a purely ice deposition-driven process, suggesting other water vapor sinks may contribute to the near-surface humidity at the maftian polar regions.
- Journal
- Icarus
- Volume
- 253
- Year
- 2015
- Start Page
- 156-158
- URL
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2015.03.003
- ISBN/ISSN
- 1090-2643; 0019-1035
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.icarus.2015.03.003