Abstract
The obliquity of Mars executes large-scale oscillations as a result of spin axis and orbit plane precessions. This motion is an important driver of the climate system and exhibits two dominant periodicities: (i) oscillations driven by the differential spin axis and orbit precession rates during which the obliquity may change by ≳20° over ∼10 5 years and (ii) amplitude modulations over ∼10 6 years due to changes in the orbital inclination. This paper discusses a third time scale for change involving a possible spin-orbit resonance. New work on secular orbit theory implies that Mars may have passed through such a resonance recently. The mechanism typically operates on a 10 7-year time scale and suggests an increase in the average obliquity of Mars of nearly 15° only ∼5 × 10 6 years ago. This could have important implications for the planet's climatic history.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
