Comparisons of Observations and Simulations of the Mars Polar Atmosphere

Introduction: Recent advances in algorithms used to process data from the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) [1] permit the study of the Mars polar atmosphere with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution and coverage. We have used this improved observational record in comparisons with General Circulation Models (GCM) and reanalysis. To date, limitations in the observations have made more difficult studies of the strengths and weaknesses in simulations of the Martian polar atmosphere, such as the polar vortices. No less important are recent advances in reanalysis applied to MCS data, which has the potential for improving understanding by producing high-fidelity simulations of atmospheric fields not directly observed or retrieved and at spatial and temporal resolutions not available to existing measurement techniques.