A boundary-layer model for Mars: comparison with Viking lander and entry data

Abstract

The model equations are similar to Earth boundary-layer models in that they include contributions from Coriolis, pressure gradient, and frictional forces for momentum; and radiation, sensible heat flux convergence, and advection for heat. The data used for comparison were obtained by the Viking 1 and 2 landers for early northern summer. At each site, these data include a single profile of wind and temperature between 1.5 and 4 km and their diurnal variations at 1.6m above the surface. Model-predicted temperatures are in good agreement with the data, though they show a greater variation at 1.6 m than is evident in the data. Model-predicted winds compare less favorably in that they can match the surface data or the profiles, but not both simultaneously. -from Authors