Analysis of new atmospheric dust observations from Mars using global circulation model

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This project provides the opportunity to work directly on preparing a novel analysis of data from the ESA/RosCosmos Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), due for launch in 2016. The same techniques will be used in the analysis of recent and ongoing observations of the Martian atmosphere from the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) aboard NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. MCS provides an existing source of data, ensuring that some will be available from the start of the project, whatever the state of the TGO mission. Much MCS data has not yet been fully analysed and new results should be obtainable with this analysis. The lead supervisor is a Co-Investigator on both MCS and the NOMAD instrument aboard TGO and the co-supervisor is a Co-Principal Investigator on NOMAD. This ensures direct contact with both teams.The project will employ a global circulation model of the Martian atmosphere, developed over many years in the UK. It will make use of a technique called data assimilation, the combination of observations with the model to achieve a consistent, time-evolving estimate of the atmospheric state. Attention will be focussed on the dust opacity of the atmosphere, since dust is a vital and variable component of the Martian climate system. Dust is both lifted and transported by the atmosphere and, in turn, absorbs radiation warming the atmosphere. A scheme to combine dust observations with the atmospheric model will be tested and prepared for future use with NOMAD and other instruments aboard TGO. At the same time, the scheme will be validated and used to analyse MCS data. The project will allow scope for improving the data assimilation technique already in use, or focussing on the extraction of scientific analyses from existing data and improving our knowledge of the Martian climate cycle.