Mars atmosphere modelling and observations
Purpose, scope, and scientific program
Among the many worlds that compose our solar system, there is
considerable current interest in Mars. This is notably due to its
atmosphere which has shaped its surface and may have created climatic
conditions which were suitable for sustaining liquid water and life in
the past. The study of the Martian atmosphere is also of great
interest for studies of comparative meteorology, in order to better
understand the Earth's atmosphere, and to improve our knowledge of the
Martian environment for future spacecraft missions.
As for the Earth, serious studies of the Martian atmosphere now
require a combination of modelling techniques and spacecraft and in
situ observations. On the basis of the Mars Global Surveyor data now
available, with ESA's Mars Express about to set out on its way, and
the Mars Reconaissance Orbiter and other missions planned in the next
few years, the purpose of this workshop is to focus on the current
atmospheric circulation and its coupling with the dust, CO2 and water
transport cycles, and to address the following questions:
The workshop will include invited and contributed talks, and
contributed poster presentations. Presentations about global and
mesoscale modelling of the Martian atmosphere and thermosphere in the
present epoch are welcome, together with discussions of observational
data analysis and methodologies.
However, models and theories on Mars past climates are out of the scope
of
this short workshop.
Within the context of the workshop, several model intercomparison studies are
performed. During the workshop, the results of these intercomparison effort will
be given by scientits who kindly accepted to perform or coordinate the
intercomparison effort in collaboration with the relevant teams.
These scientists will give this "intercomparison talk in addition to a more
personal talk on their own work.
: The Intercomparison Information Web page
INTERCOMPARISON TOPIC and COORDINATOR:
General coordination : Claire Newman (
newmanc@atm.ox.ac.uk)