How Do Dust and Water Ice Affect the Martian Atmosphere?

New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) A group of global researchers, spearheaded by experts from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, has investigated the impact of spinning dust devils, intense dust storms, and extensive water ice clouds on the Martian atmosphere.

The researchers from NIT Rourkela partnered with scientists from UAE University and Sun Yat-sen University in China, analyzing over two decades of data collected from various Mars missions, including India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM).

Gaining insight into these processes will be crucial for preparing human exploration missions. Understanding Martian weather patterns can safeguard spacecraft, assist future astronauts, and enhance our knowledge of whether Mars might have once supported life, as stated by the researchers in their paper published in the esteemed journal New Astronomy Reviews.

"Enhancing the weather forecasting on Mars is not merely a scientific endeavor; it is fundamental to ensuring that upcoming missions can thrive and uncover the past and future habitability of the red planet," remarked Prof. Jagabandhu Panda, a professor at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, NIT Rourkela.

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, exhibits some of the most dramatic weather systems in our solar system. The dust stirred up by local and regional storms can travel vast distances, altering wind patterns, which leads to temperature fluctuations and, at times, significantly reshapes the Martian atmosphere.

The study concentrated on three key components of Martian weather: dust devils—small, swirling columns of air prevalent in summer, particularly in the northern hemisphere; large dust storms—fueled by a process in which sunlight warms the dust and can expand to engulf entire regions or even the entire planet; and water-ice clouds—delicate wispy formations composed of frozen water particles.

Utilizing imaging data gathered over 20 years, the researchers have traced how seasonal changes on Mars influence dust and cloud formation and movement. These discoveries enhance our understanding of Mars' climate system and may assist in forecasting future weather on the planet.

As more missions target the Red Planet, long-term studies like this one provide vital insights into its constantly evolving atmosphere.

"It would be beneficial if ISRO could launch more missions to Mars and invest further in the academic sector to facilitate such research. This will contribute to the advancement of science and technology," said Panda.