Conceptual model for the removal of cold-trapped H2O ice on the Mars northern seasonal springtime polar cap

Abstract

The transport of H 2 O ice along the retreating north polar seasonal CO 2 ice cap has previously been modeled and observed. Spectral observations show that H 2 O ice forms on the interior of the seasonal cap, while thermal observations show these regions to be consistent with CO 2 ice. Prior to the sublimation of the seasonal CO 2 , the observed H 2 O ice deposits are diminished—and because H 2 O ice sublimation rates are extremely slow while in direct thermal contact with CO 2 ice, an alternate removal process must be operating. We propose a model where the process of removing these H 2 O deposits starts with insolation‐induced basal sublimation of the underlying CO 2 ice. This sublimed gas would “seep” upward and into the interface between the two ices, increasing pressure until the gas pressure fractures the cold‐trapped H 2 O ice. Small fragments would be suspended while larger fragments would be pushed aside, exposing the underlying CO 2 ice.