On the Effects of Topography on Planetary Atmospheric Circulation

Abstract

The generation and deflection of winds by topography are considered in an effort to understand the general circulation of the Martian atmosphere. The low radiative time constant and large topographical variations associated with Mars are incorporated in the analytical model. The results of the analysis are applied to a large symmetrical mountain for both summer and equinox conditions, noting the effects of the topography and variability of the Cariolis parameter. A discussion of the relevance of the model to Mars is included in the summary.