Workshop on the Polar Regions of Mars: Geology, Glaciology, and Climate History, part 2

摘要

The primary purpose of The Mars Surface and Atmosphere Through Time (MSATT) workshop was to assess the state of Mars polar research for the arrival of Mars Observer. On day one, the first two sessions of the workshop were devoted to reviews and tutorials on broad areas of martian and terrestrial polar research. These included discussions of geology and glaciology of the polar caps, their physical and rheologic properties, and the role of seasonal and climate change in their evolution. This introduction was followed by a session that focused on several more detailed aspects of martian polar geology--including the topographic influence of large impact basins on the structure and distribution of the polar deposits, the possibility of basal lakes, and evidence of past glaciation in Elysium and at the poles. On day two, the workshop focused on how the atmospheric dynamics, surface energy budget, and seasonal cycles of CO2 and dust on Mars affect the formation and interannual variability of the seasonal polar caps. Speakers reviewed both spacecraft and Earth-based telescopic observations of seasonal cap retreat and discussed their significance with regard to various processes affecting cap behavior. In addition, representatives from each of the Mars Observer investigation teams discussed their instruments and their application to Mars polar research. These presentations were followed by an open discussion about what we could expect to learn from Mars Observer and what types of other investigations should be included in future missions. On the third and last day, the last group of talks dealt with the evolution of the martian climate. In the end a summary panel discussion was held of both planetary and terrestrial researchers who assessed the state of Mars polar research and offered opinions regarding what future efforts were likely to be the most critical to our understanding of the nature and development of the poles. The workshop program, and list of workshop participants is included within this report.