Structure of the meridional circulation of the Martian atmosphere

Abstract

Characteristics of the seasonal variation of meridional circulation of the Martian atmosphere are investigated by using a Mars general circulation model. Numerical results show that a summer/winter-type cross-equatorial one-cell circulation prevails most of the period of year, while a spring/fall-type two-cell circulation appears during only short periods around equinoxes. A similar tendency can beobserved also in the seasonal transition of meridional circulation in the Earth's atmosphere. This tendency is consistent with the theory that the latitudinal location of the upward branch of the Hadley circulation is quite sensitive to the off-equatorial latitudinal shift of heat source.