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Carbon dioxide ice on Mars, artwork
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Carbon dioxide ice on Mars, artwork
Carbon dioxide ice on Mars, computer artwork. This area is part of the carbon dioxide ice cap at the Martian South Pole. The large pits are where the carbon dioxide ice cap has sublimed to reveal ice layers below the surface. Mars is much colder than Earth, and has a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Temperatures at the Martian south pole are low enough to maintain a residual carbon dioxide ice cap during the summer. Observations by the Mars Global Surveyor have shown that this carbon dioxide ice cap is gradually shrinking as these pits are enlarged each summer. This has been interpreted as evidence that the Martian climate is slowly warming. The surface dust is red/brown due to the high iron content of the rocks
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Media ID 6445489
© CHRIS BUTLER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Carbon Dioxide Climate Change Climatological Climatology Dry Ice Eroded Erosion Global Warming Ice Cap Mars Melting Planetary Science Polar Solar System South Pole Southern Surface Warming Computer Artwork Subliming
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This artwork showcases the mesmerizing landscape of Mars, specifically the carbon dioxide ice cap located at its southern pole. The image reveals a vast expanse of frozen carbon dioxide, commonly known as dry ice, covering the Martian surface. As temperatures on Mars are significantly colder than Earth and its atmosphere is composed mainly of carbon dioxide, this region maintains a residual ice cap even during summer. The striking feature in this artwork is the presence of large pits scattered across the icy terrain. These pits have formed as a result of sublimation, where the carbon dioxide ice has directly transformed into gas without melting into liquid form. This process exposes underlying layers of ice beneath the surface. Fascinatingly, observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor indicate that these pits gradually enlarge each summer, suggesting a warming trend in Martian climate over time. This phenomenon provides valuable evidence for scientists studying planetary science and climatology to better understand how celestial bodies undergo changes due to global warming and climate change. Adding to its allure, the reddish-brown hue covering much of Mars' surface dust can be attributed to high iron content found within rocks present there. Through this stunning computer artwork from Science Photo Library, we gain an insight into both the geological wonders and climatological dynamics occurring on our neighboring planet - Mars.
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