Greenhouse Warming Potential of a Suite of Gas Species on Early Mars Evaluated Using a Radiative‐Convective Climate Model
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Abundant geomorphological and geochemical evidence of liquid water on the surface of early Mars during the late Noachian and early Hesperian periods needs to be reconciled with a fainter young Sun. While a dense atmosphere and related warming mechanisms are potential solutions to the early Mars climate problem, further investigation is warranted. Here, we complete a comprehensive survey of the warming potential of all known greenhouse gases and perform detailed calculations for 15 different minor gas species under early Martian conditions. We find that of these 15 species, , , , , and cause significant greenhouse warming at concentrations of 0.1 ppmv or greater. However, the most highly effective greenhouse gas species also tend to be more condensable, soluble and vulnerable to photolytic destruction. To provide a reference for future atmospheric evolution and photochemical studies, we have made our warming potential database freely available online.
DOI: 10.1029/2024je008443
Authors: Jason Jorge, Robin Wordsworth, Danica Adams
Institutions: Harvard University, ICF International (United States)
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4404148842