Recent models and observations relevant to Martian aeronomy are discussed. The stability of the CO 2 atmosphere against photodissociation into CO and O 2 has finally been accounted for. The basic mechanism is catalysis by odd hydrogen, aided by very rapid downward mixing, photolysis of H 2 O 2 , or some combination. The low abundance of ozone at low latitudes is readily explained, and its higher abundance in cold regions is accounted for by the freezing out of H 2 O, H 2 O 2 , and possibly HO 2 . The system seems likely to be unstable, and major changes of the CO and O 2 abundances may be expected on a time scale of 1 year.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
D. M. Hunten (1974) studied this question.