First estimations of gravity wave potential energy in the Martian thermosphere: an analysis using MAVEN NGIMS data

Abstract

ABSTRACT First estimations of Gravity Wave Potential Energy (GWPE) for Martian thermosphere are reported herein using the height profile of CO2 density derived temperature fluctuations for different Martian seasons during the 33rd Martian year. Explicit diurnal evolution of GWPE (52⁰ to 73⁰ latitude bin) with a post sunset maximum is delineated for summer. The higher values of GWPE are observed during morning, compared to post-midnight (35⁰ to 55⁰ latitude bin) for summer. As latitude increases from 16⁰ to 45⁰, GWPE (1-4 LT bin) is found to be nearly doubled for summer. Further, GWPE estimates in autumn are 6 times higher during night compared to day (-45⁰ to -72⁰ latitude bin) and day time (-53⁰ to -72⁰ latitude bin) GWPE is much lower in autumn compared to spring for all longitudes. Overall, from the available data, southern autumn daytime periods appear better suited for aero-braking operations of Martian landing missions.