Chapter 1: Mars' Atmospheric Mysteries

Recent research challenges the notion that Mars' atmosphere is entirely isolated. New studies indicate that clouds on Mars might be influenced by meteoric activity.

Clouds in Mars’ middle atmosphere, which starts approximately 30 kilometers above the surface, have long puzzled scientists. A recent study published in Nature Geoscience on June 17th sheds light on this enigmatic phenomenon, suggesting that meteors could be a primary contributor to cloud formation.

The research, conducted by a team at CU Boulder, proposes that these clouds might emerge from a process known as meteoric smoke, which consists of icy particles generated by debris from space colliding with the Martian atmosphere.

Victoria Hartwick, a graduate student in the Department of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences and the lead author of the study, emphasizes the interconnectedness of planetary atmospheres and their solar systems: “Traditionally, we perceive planets like Earth and Mars as self-sufficient entities that dictate their own climates. However, climate is influenced by the broader solar environment.”

Section 1.1: The Formation of Cloud Seeds

This research, co-authored by Brian Toon from CU Boulder and Nicholas Heavens from Hampton University, focuses on the peculiar emergence of clouds that seemingly appear out of nowhere.

Hartwick clarifies that clouds do not arise spontaneously; they require particles to condense upon. On Earth, for example, low-lying clouds begin as tiny grains of sea salt or dust elevated into the atmosphere, where water molecules cluster around these particles, growing into visible clouds.

However, the challenge in understanding Martian cloud formation lies in the absence of typical cloud seeds in its middle atmosphere. This observation led Hartwick and her colleagues to hypothesize that meteors and space debris might serve as effective cloud seeds.

Hartwick notes that Mars is bombarded by approximately two to three tons of space debris daily, which disrupts its atmosphere and introduces significant amounts of dust. To investigate whether this dust could be sufficient for cloud formation, Hartwick's team employed advanced computer simulations to analyze the atmospheric flows and turbulence of Mars. Their results showed that when meteors were factored into their models, clouds began to form.

Hartwick states: “Before incorporating meteors into our model, we couldn’t produce clouds at these altitudes. Now, they are present and positioned correctly.”

Subsection 1.1.1: Implications of the Findings

While the initial premise may seem improbable, previous research indicates that similar interplanetary debris may assist in cloud formation near Earth's poles.

Despite these findings, the researchers caution against expecting large, thunderous clouds on Mars. The simulated clouds are more delicate and nebulous than those seen on Earth.

Hartwick points out that even though these clouds may be thin and invisible to the naked eye, they can still influence atmospheric dynamics significantly. The simulations predict that clouds in the middle atmosphere could alter temperatures at high altitudes by as much as 10°C.

Brian Toon, a professor in ATOC, highlights the significance of these results. He believes that understanding contemporary Martian clouds could provide insights into the planet's climatic history, including its capacity to support liquid water on its surface.

Toon observes: “Increasingly, climate models suggest that ancient Martian climates, when rivers once flowed, were likely warmed by high-altitude clouds. This discovery could become a pivotal aspect of theories regarding Mars' warming.”

Chapter 2: Exploring Martian Clouds Further

The first video titled "Yes, there are clouds on Mars and researchers think they know why" delves into the latest findings about Martian clouds and their origins.

The second video, "Mysterious 2000km Long Cloud on Mars That Returns Every Day," explores intriguing phenomena observed in Mars' atmosphere.