Using Martian Climate Models to Assess the Potential of Artificial Greenhouse Gases to Increase Martian Surface Temperatures

Paper number

IAC-13,D3,3,10,x19180

Author

Dr. Isabelle Dicaire, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Prof. Francois Forget, Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace, France

Coauthor

Dr. Ehouarn Millour, Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace, France

Coauthor

Mrs. Cynthia Maan, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mrs. Marion Nachon, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Leopold Summerer, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Year

2013

Abstract

The study of planetary atmospheres such as the one of Mars offers valuable insights into the evolution and dynamics of atmospheres. The absence of oceans and biosphere on Mars allows the development of simple climate models compared to Earth's complex general circulation models The recent improvements of Martian global climate models combined with new data obtained from Mars exploration missions allows for a better understanding of climate systems and their internal feedbacks effects. It also provides a simple platform to explore theoretical options for active climate modifications such as ecopoiesis, defined as the fabrication of an uncontained biosphere on the surface of a sterile planet.
 
Ecopoiesis on Mars would require several environmental modifications, such as increasing its atmospheric content and mean surface temperatures. Specifically, models have shown that a relatively modest temperature increase of 20 K might trigger a runaway release of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ gas sequestered in the polar caps or trapped in the Martian regolith. Among the several methods reported to achieve such a change, the release of artificial greenhouse gases in the Martian atmosphere is considered as one possible approach. Based on previous preliminary research, this paper assesses the warming potential of four artificial greenhouse gases ($\mathrm{CF_4}$, $\mathrm{C_2F_6}$, $\mathrm{C_3F_8}$ and $\mathrm{SF_6}$) in a Martian Global Climate Model. Key improvements include a better representation of the radiative properties of the greenhouse gases and water ice clouds. A critical discussion of the warming effect of the released gases is hereby presented.

Abstract document

IAC-13,D3,3,10,x19180.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-13,D3,3,10,x19180.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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