2025/2027

Near-Surface Water Vapor on Mars:

Vertical Distribution and Atmosphere-Surface Exchange

Naturvitenskap
Project illustration of a satellite and a rover on Mars.

Principal investigators

Elise Wright Knutsen

Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Oslo (UiO)
Year at CAS
Research Area
Geosciences /
Physics

Abstract

Mars was once a wet planet, but despite losing its oceans, a water cycle still shapes the planet's climate. Significant knowledge gaps remain concerning the low-altitude vertical distribution of water vapor and atmosphere-surface water exchange. We propose to use a multi-instrument and modeling approach, combining surface and orbital data to investigate the vertical distribution of water vapor from top of the atmosphere to the subsurface for the first time. We will isolate seasonal/latitudinal variations of near-surface water vapor, assess soil humidity and the extent of surface-atmosphere exchange. This study will enhance our understanding of Mars’ climate, geochemistry, glaciology, mineralogy, and potential habitability.

Fellows

profile image illustration

Michael Jenning

Dr
Technische Universität Dresden
Year at CAS
profile image illustration

German Martinez

Dr
Centro de Astrobiología
Year at CAS
profile image illustration

Timothy McConnochie

Dr
Space Science Institute
Year at CAS
profile image illustration

Priya Patel

Dr
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Year at CAS

Affiliated researchers

Maria
Hieta

Dr
Finnish Meteorological Institute

Leslie
Tamppari

Dr
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Loïc
Verdier

Dr
LATMOS