@inbook{3243fcf0717146aea95bbeef85d17ed7,
title = "Polar caps",
abstract = " The permanent polar caps of Mars constitute the largest known reservoirs of H 2 O on the planet. The permanent caps are distinguished from the seasonal snow covers that have been known for centuries. The seasonal snow consists of CO 2 that condenses out of the atmosphere in the winter hemisphere [8]. During summer, the seasonal snow cover gradually evaporates, and the permanent cap is exposed. The permanent polar caps are recognisable as topographic domes rising about 3 km above the surrounding terrain. They have an extent of around 1000 km in the north and 400-800 km in the south. They consist of layers of H 2 O, dust and CO 2 that have been deposited through millions of years. Bright white areas indicate a currently active interaction with the Martian climate system. Dark areas reveal an extensive layering thought to preserve a record of climate changes on Mars. The caps may contain preserved samples of biological origin, and geological indications of meltwater may be a clue to subsurface environments where life might exist. The polar regions are thus particularly interesting in relation to the search for life on Mars. ",
keywords = "Basal melting, Mars orbiter laser altimeter, Seasonal snow cover, Sublimation rate, Thermal emission spectrometer",
author = "Hvidberg, {Christine S.}",
year = "2005",
month = jan,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1007/978-3-540-31538-4_6",
language = "English",
series = "Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics",
publisher = "Springer Verlag",
pages = "129--153",
booktitle = "Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics",
}
