China’s Tianwen-1 probe reveals new insights into Martian internal gravity waves

by Simon Mansfield

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 03, 2024

Internal gravity waves, key drivers of energy and momentum transfer within planetary atmospheres, significantly shape atmospheric dynamics on Mars. These waves, which propagate vertically from the lower to the upper atmosphere, influence global processes like dust storm formation and polar vortex behavior.

Recent research published in Earth and Planetary Physics by Professor Cunying Xiao’s team at Beijing Normal University provides new insights into Martian internal gravity waves using high-resolution temperature data from China’s Tianwen-1 radio occultation experiment. By integrating this data with observations from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), the study analyzed parameters such as vertical wavelength, frequency, and energy density.

The results reveal that Martian internal gravity waves are characterized by vertical wavelengths between 6 and 13 kilometers, with horizontal wavelengths extending thousands of kilometers. These waves propagate almost vertically and exhibit low-frequency inertial gravity wave patterns. The analysis highlighted higher wave intensity, energy density, and lower dissipation in Tianwen-1 data compared to MGS northern hemisphere data. Conversely, MGS observations in the southern hemisphere indicated shorter vertical wavelengths and higher buoyancy frequencies, suggesting a more stable atmospheric background conducive to wave propagation.

These findings enhance understanding of Martian atmospheric dynamics and offer valuable input for refining global circulation models. Moreover, comparative studies of internal gravity waves across Mars, Earth, and other planets contribute to the broader understanding of atmospheric dynamics across planetary systems.

Research Report:Research on internal gravity waves in the Martian atmosphere based on Tianwen-1 and Mars Global Surveyor occultation data

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