Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Larsen, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Larsen, S..

Atmospheric Science Experiment for Mars: ATMIS for the Netlander 2005 Mission

ATMIS (Atmospheric and Meteorological Instrumentation System) is a versatile suite of atmospheric instrumentation to be accommodated onboard the Netlander Mission slated for launch in 2005. Four Netlanders are planned to form a geophysical measurement network on the surface of Mars. The atmospheric sciences are among the scientific disciplines benefiting most of the network concept. The goal of the ATMIS instrument is to provide new data on the atmospheric vertical structure, regional and global circulation phenomena, the Martian Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and atmosphere-surface interactions, dust storm triggering mechanisms, as well as the climatological cycles of H2O, dust and CO2. To reach the goal of characterization of a number of phenomena exhibiting both spatial and temporal variations, simultaneous observations of multiple variables at spatially displaced sites Deforming a network D are required. The in situ observations made by the ATMIS sensors will be supported by extensive modeling efforts. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Harri, A.-M.↗

The Mars Pathfinder atmospheric structure investigation/meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment

The Mars Pathfinder atmospheric structure investigation/meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment measured the vertical density, pressure, and temperature structure of the martian atmosphere from the surface to 160 km, and monitored surface meteorology and climate for 83 sols (1 sol = 1 martian day = 24.7 hours). The atmospheric structure and the weather record are similar to those observed by the Viking 1 lander (VL-1) at the same latitude, altitude, and season 21 years ago, but there are differences related to diurnal effects and the surface properties of the landing site. These include a cold nighttime upper atmosphere; atmospheric temperatures that are 10 to 12 degrees kelvin warmer near the surface; light slope-controlled winds; and dust devils, identified by their pressure, wind, and temperature signatures. The results are consistent with the warm, moderately dusty atmosphere seen by VL-1.

Mars Pathfinder Project↗

The Mars Pathfinder Atmospheric Structure Investigation/Meteorology (ASI/MET) experiment

The Mars Pathfinder ASI/MET experiment measured the vertical density, pressure and temperature structure of the Martian atmosphere from the surface to 160 km, and monitored surface meteorology and climate for 83 sols. Atmospheric structure and the weather records are similar to those observed by the Viking 1 lander (VL-1) at the same latitude, altitude, and season 21 years ago, but there are differences related to diurnal effects and landing site surface properties.

Mars↗

Preliminary Results from the Mars Pathfinder ASI/MET Experiment

Mars Pathfinder successfully landed in the Ares Vallis flood plain (19.3 N, 33.6 W) on July 4, 1997. The spacecraft carried a suite of instruments to record the structure of the atmosphere during the entry, descent, and landing as well as for monitoring meteorological phenomenon while on the surface. Collectively, these instruments are known as the ASI/MET experiment (Atmospheric Structure Investigation/Meteorology). In this paper we present preliminary results from the ASI/MET experiment. As of this writing, the spacecraft is healthy and continues to take daily meteorological measurements. We expect this will continue for almost one more earth year. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Haberle, R. M.↗

Evidence of ongoing crustal deformation related to magmatic activity near Socorro, New Mexico

Leveling measurements conducted in 1980-1981 by the National Geodetic Survey in the Socorro area of the Rio Grande rift are analyzed. Crustal uplift related to magma inflation in the midcrustal magma body is detected; an uplift of 0.18 cm/yr is measured for the time between 1951-1980. The survey data of 1911 and 1959 are compared to the present data and good correlation is observed. The systematic leveling errors including height-dependence and refraction errors are studied. The 30-km-wide subsidence in the area is examined. The spatial correlation between seismic activity, the Socorro magma body, and crustal deformation in Socorro is investigated. The crustal movement from magma reservior activities is modeled using the formulations of Dieterich and Decker (1975). The modeling of the deformation reveals that the movement in the Socorro area is associated with the 19-km deep Socorro magma body.

Larsen, S.↗