Case for Higher than Advertised Martian Air Pressure
NOTE: The report posted on this site in January, 2010, has been replaced by a new report entitled ENIGMA OF THE MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE - Higher than Advertised Air Pressure? The abstract fot the new report is as follows:
Abstract. Based on data from Mariner, Viking, Mars Pathfinder, and Phoenix missions to Mars, it is generally accepted that surface pressure on Mars averages about 6.1 hPa (mbar) at Mars areoid (what corresponds to sea level). This report will challenge the accuracy of this belief by comparing Martian and terrestrial dust devils, by reviewing a NASA Ames attempt to simulate Martian dust devils, and by examining design and employment practices of pressure transducers and wind sensors sent to Mars. Implications of caves, spiral clouds and dust devils found in conjunction with Asia Mons will be discussed, as will issues pertaining CO2 reservoirs at the South Pole and how they might affect annual (and diurnal) pressure fluctuations recorded by the landers. Finally, there will be a review of unexpected downrange landings and excessive aerobraking problems encountered. The purpose of this report is to motivate NASA to include a pressure transducer with sensitivity range greater than the 5-11.5 mbar range currently envisioned for Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), slated for launch in 2011.
Readers who wish to find specific data in the new report can link to the appropriate Part below:
Abstract1.1 Comparison of Martian and Terrestrial Dust Devils
1.1.1 Geographic Occurrences
1.1.1.1 The Greenhouse and Thermophoresis (GT) Effect
1.1.2. Seasonal Occurrences
1.1.3 Electrical Properties
1.1.4 Size and Shape
1.1.5 Diurnal Formation Rate and Lifetime
1.1.6. Wind Speed of Tornadoes and Dust Devils
1.1.8 Core Pressure Excursions
1.1.9. Dust Particle Size - The Problem of Martian Dust < 2 Microns and Wind Speeds
1.2. NASA Ames Test of Martian Pressures and Dust Devils2. Overview of Instrumentation Problems
2.1. Issues Raised by the FMI
3. Methane on Mars
3.1. Caves on and Spiral Clouds above Arsia Mons on Mars
4. The Issues of Snow, Water Ice, and Carbon Dioxide on Mars
4.1. Annual Pressure Fluctuations Recorded by Viking 1, Viking 2, and Phoenix. Maximum Pressure in the Winter?
4.1.1. Occam's Razor
5. Radio Occultation
6. Pressure Fluctuations at Landers vs. Polar CO2 Cycles
7. Martian Wind Problems
7.1. Anemometer/Telltale Wind Speed Issues
8. Daily Martian Pressure Cycles
9. Do Downrange Landings Mean Thinner or Thicker Air?
10. Excessive Deceleration by the Mars Global Surveyor
11. The Potential Pressure of Mars
13. Glossary
14. References
15. Acknowledgments