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The atmosphere of Mars is the layer of gases surrounding Mars. ... CO 2 gas in the atmosphere can condense on the surface to form 1–2 m thick solid dry ice. [4]
The planet Mars has two permanent polar ice caps of water ice and some dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide, CO 2). Above kilometer thick layers of water ice permafrost slabs of dry ice are deposited during a pole's winter, [1][2] lying in continuous darkness, causing 25–30% of the atmosphere being deposited annually at either of the poles.
Some researchers have suggested that the atmosphere of Mars may have been many times as thick as the Earth's; however research published in September 2015 advanced the idea that perhaps the early Martian atmosphere was not as thick as previously thought. [41] Currently, the atmosphere is very thin.
Modern-day Mars has up to eight times more deuterium relative to light hydrogen than does Earth—which retained its thick atmosphere and thus all of its water.
The thin atmosphere also increases the variability of the planet's temperature. Martian surface temperatures vary from lows of approximately −140 °C (−220 °F) during the polar winters to highs of up to 20 °C (70 °F) in summers. The tenuous atmosphere of Mars visible on the horizon. Pits in south polar ice cap, MGS 1999, NASA
Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a global magnetic field to protect its atmosphere, leaving it vulnerable to solar ultraviolet radiation.
The geology of Mars is the scientific study of the surface, crust, and interior of the planet Mars. It emphasizes the composition, structure, history, and physical processes that shape the planet. It is analogous to the field of terrestrial geology. In planetary science, the term geology is used in its broadest sense to mean the study of the ...
[55] [56] Large areas of the Martian surface are loaded with ice that is protected by a meters thick layer of dust and other material. However, if cracks appear, a fresh surface will expose ice to the thin atmosphere. [57] [58] In a short time, the ice will disappear into the cold, thin atmosphere in a process called sublimation. Dry ice ...