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[33.25] Simulation of the distribution of chemical species on Mars using a state-of-the-art general circulation model, GM3.

Y. Moudden, J. C. McConnell, A. Akingunola (York University)

Many questions remain unanswered regarding the composition of the atmosphere of Mars. To date 1D numerical models have been used extensively to investigate to observed composition. These models require the assignation of eddy diffusion, the strength of vertical diffusion is usually set by the modellers depending on the performance of the model. 3D modelling of chemical species allows the species to be transported in a realistic fashion using the resolved wind components from the model. We use a multiscale state-of-the-art general circulation model (GM3) for the atmosphere of Mars with a domain that extends from the ground to 180-200 km and includes the major processes that define the global state of the atmosphere. A comprehensive chemistry package is included. This package includes photodissociation of different species such as water and CO2. The combination of a self-sufficient 3D dynamical model and a comprehensive chemical reactions set is expected to yield valuable information about the distribution of minor species and the observed composition. The chemical package is working and further work for the water distribution on the chemical package is underway. The presentation will compare O and CO in the thermosphere with obsesrvations from Viking and Mariner 9. And also present preliminary results for lower atmospheric ozone.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.