The Surface Energy Budget at Gale Crater During the First 2500 Sols of the Mars Science Laboratory Mission. Issue 9 (27th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martínez, G. M.; Vicente‐Retortillo, A.; Vasavada, A. R.; Newman, C. E.; Fischer, E.; Rennó, N. O.; Savijärvi, H.; de la Torre, M.; Ordóñez‐Etxeberria, I.; Lemmon, M. T.; Guzewich, S. D.; McConnochie, T. H.; Sebastián, E.; Hueso, R.; Sánchez‐Lavega, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 126:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-27
• Subjects: Mars -- Mars Science Laboratory -- surface energy budget -- thermal Forcing -- solar energy -- REMS; Planets -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 559.9
• DOI: 10.1029/2020JE006804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9097

Abstract

Abstract: We use in situ environmental measurements by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission to obtain the surface energy budget (SEB) across Curiosity's traverse during the first 2500 sols of the mission. This includes values of the downwelling shortwave solar radiation, the upwelling solar radiation reflected by the surface, the downwelling longwave radiation from the atmosphere, the upwelling longwave radiation emitted by the surface, the sensible heat flux associated with turbulent motions, and the latent heat flux associated with water phase changes. We then analyze their temporal variation on different timescales and relate this to the mechanisms causing these variations. Through its Rover Environmental Monitoring Station, MSL allows for a more accurate determination of the SEB than its predecessors on Mars. Moreover, the unprecedented duration, cadence, and frequency of MSL environmental observations allow for analyses of the SEB from diurnal to interannual timescales. The results presented in this article can be used to evaluate the consistency with predictions from atmospheric numerical models, to validate aerosol radiative properties under a range of dust conditions, to understand the energy available for solar‐powered missions, and to enable comparisons with measurements of the SEB by the Perseverance rover at Jezero crater. Plain Language Summary: The primary energy input at the Martian surface is the solar radiation, which depends on the time of the day and season, geographical location (latitude and altitude), and atmospheric dust and gas abundances. Another energy input is the thermal atmospheric forcing, which depends on the vertical distribution of dust and water ice aerosols as well as CO2 and H2 O molecules. Together with the reflected solar radiation and the thermal radiation emitted by the surface, these four terms make up the net radiative forcing of the surface. In response to it, energy outputs as turbulent motions and water phase changes emerge to cool down/warm up the ground. The remaining energy is available to control the thermal environment in the surface and shallow subsurface through conduction into the soil. By using first‐of‐their‐kind measurements from the Mars Science Laboratory mission, we calculate the energy inputs and outputs across Curiosity's traverse over the first 2500 Martian days of the mission. We then analyze their temporal variations and relate this to the mechanisms causing such variations. An accurate determination of the surface energy budget is key to preparing for the human exploration of Mars because it contributes to improvements in the predictive capabilities of numerical models. Key Points: We have calculated each term of the surface energy budget during the first 2500 sols of the Mars Science Laboratory mission We have analyzed the variation of each term from diurnal to interannual timescales in relation to the mechanisms causing the variations Our results are important in preparation for the human exploration of Mars to evaluate the consistency with predictions from models