Simultaneous observations of the Martian atmosphere by Planetary Fourier Spectrometer on Mars Express and Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer on Mars Exploration Rover

Abstract

In this study we present temperature profiles in the lower atmosphere of Mars from simultaneous observations performed by the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS) aboard the Mars Express spacecraft and the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini-TES) aboard the Mars Exploration Rovers. Thermal infrared spectra were collected in both the upward and downward looking geometries from the surface and from orbit, respectively. We used two sets of criteria to select PFS observations. These criteria took into account the location around the landing sites of the rovers, the local time (LT), and the solar longitude (L_s) corresponding to the Martian solar day (sol). The first set of criteria included PFS measurements carried out within ±1° in latitude and longitude, within 1 h in local time, and on the same sol. From the restricted set of measurements we conclude that the PFS data are consistent with the Mini-TES data. The next set of criteria covered the area 5° × 5° around the landing sites, within 1 h in local time and within 9 sols. The latter criteria allow us to study the variation of parameters LT, distance, and L_s and their influence on changes of temperature profiles. This comparison for the group with relaxed criteria showed also that local time has strongest effect on temperature differences. The main purpose of this study is to confirm the validity of PFS temperature profiles close to the surface. Atmospheric temperatures below 5 km are retrieved from satellite measurements with a large uncertainty because of poor pieces of information in the wings of the CO₂ absorption band at 667 cm^-1. The Mini-TES temperature profiles span atmospheric layers below 2 km. The good correspondence observed in a number of cases confirms the possibility of using PFS measurements to investigate the lower atmosphere.