The Martian upper atmosphere

  • Francisco González-Galindo
  • , Francois Forget
  • , Mónica Angelats I. Coll
  • , Miguel Ángel López-Valverde

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The most relevant aspects of the Martian atmosphere are presented in this paper, focusing on the almost unexplored upper atmosphere. We summarize the most recent observations concerning this region, as well as the numerical models used to its study. Special attention is devoted to the only ground-to-exosphere General Circulation Model existing today for Mars, the LMD-MGCM. The model and its extension to the thermosphere are described and the strategies used for its validation are shortly discussed. Finally, we briefly present some comparisons between the results of the model and the observations by different spacecrafts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLecture Notes and Essays in Astrophysics III
EditorsAnna Ulla
PublisherStanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC)
Pages151-161
Number of pages11
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014

Publication series

NameLecture Notes and Essays in Astrophysics III
VolumeIII

Keywords

  • General circulation models
  • Mars atmosphere
  • Thermosphere

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