In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Houston have transformed our understanding of Mars’ climate and weather while offering key insights into Earth’s atmospheric processes.
Mars Radiant Energy Budget
The research team, led by Larry Guan, a graduate student in the Department of Physics at UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, developed the first-ever meridional profile of Mars’ Radiant Energy Budget (REB). The REB measures the balance—or imbalance—between absorbed solar energy and emitted thermal energy across latitudes. Globally, an energy surplus leads to warming, while a deficit results in cooling. Mars’ REB profile is critical for understanding its climate and weather patterns.
“The work in establishing Mars’ first meridional radiant energy budget profile is noteworthy,” said Guan. “Understanding Earth’s large-scale climate and atmospheric circulation relies heavily on REB profiles, so having one for Mars allows critical climatological comparisons and lays the groundwork for Martian meteorology.”
Mars vs. Earth: contrasting energy flows
The profile, based on long-term data from orbiting spacecraft, highlights striking differences between Earth and Mars. On Earth, there is an energy surplus in the tropics and a deficit near the poles, driving atmospheric circulation. Mars, however, exhibits the opposite: a polar energy surplus and a tropical energy deficit.
“On Earth, the tropical energy surplus drives warming and upward atmospheric motion, while the polar energy deficit causes cooling and downward atmospheric motion,” explained Jiang. “These atmospheric motions significantly influence weather and climate on our home planet. However, on Mars, we observe a polar energy surplus and a tropical energy deficit.”
The role of dust storms in Martian climate
This polar surplus on Mars is particularly intense in the southern hemisphere during spring, driving atmospheric circulation and triggering the planet’s notorious global dust storms. These massive storms, capable of engulfing the entire planet, play a major role in redistributing energy and influencing Mars’ climate.
“The interaction between dust storms and the REB, as well as with polar ice dynamics, brings to light the complex feedback processes that likely shape Martian weather patterns and long-term climate stability,” said Guan.
Implications for future climate research
Earth’s recently discovered global energy imbalance significantly contributes to global warming, with an impact comparable to that of rising greenhouse gases. Mars, with its thin atmosphere and absence of human activity, offers a unique environment to study long-term energy imbalances and their impact on climate evolution.
“The REB difference between the two planets is truly fascinating, so continued monitoring will deepen our understanding of Mars’ climate dynamics,” said Li. “This research not only deepens our knowledge of the red planet but also provides critical insights into planetary atmospheric processes.” By comparing the energy budgets of Earth and Mars, scientists hope to unlock deeper insights into the processes that shape planetary climates, paving the way for future research on both worlds.
Source: University of Houston.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona.
The content may be edited for style and length.
