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W.J. Markiewicz (MPAE), K.J. Kossacki (MPAE, Inst. of Geophys. of Warsaw University), H.U. Keller (MPAE)
On December 3rd, 1999 Mars Polar Lander is due to arrive at the edge of the south polar regions on Mars. The lander is equipped with a robotic arm capable of digging a trench in the ground. The soil samples acquired by the arm will be analysed for water content. At the time of the mission the surface temperature can be expected to be greater than that of the underlying layers. Our previous calculations indicate that the soil uncovered during digging may be cold enough to condense out the atmospheric water vapour. Therefore, digging process itself could result in samples enriched in water ice compared to the unperturbed Martian soil. This paper analyzes the diurnal evolution of the temperature and water content within the soil surrounding the trench. Our model is 2 dimensional to allow realistic geometry of the trench. We solve the coupled problem of heat and water vapour diffusion through the porous soil. The model includes condensation and sublimation of water within the pores as well as water adsorption.