Steven Nelli
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| Research Assistant |
| Entered: | 1999 |
| Office: | 101 Astronomy |
| Phone: | (575)646-4438 |
| Fax: | (575)646-1602 |
| |
| E-mail: | snelli |
| (append "@nmsu.edu") |
| |
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| M.S. | New Mexico State University, | 2002 |
| B.A. | Erskine College, | 1999 |
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Research
Previous research done using global, 3-D computer modeling to better
understand the Martian atmosphere treats the dust and the water cycles as two
separate and independent processes. The existing Ames numerical model will be
employed to simulate the relationship between the Martian dust and water
cycles by actually coupling the two cycles. Water will condense onto the
dust, allowing the particle's radiative characteristics, fall speeds, and as a
result, their vertical distribution to change. Data obtained from the Viking,
Mars Pathfinder, and especially the Mars Global Surveyor missions will be used
to determine the accuracy of the model results.
The objective of this project is to determine the role the water cycle plays
in interannual variability of the Martian atmosphere when coupled with the
dust cycle. A possible consequence of the decoupling of the two cycles is
that most of the previous long duration models show no yearly variations. The
patterns of dust lifting and sedimentation remain the same throughout
multiple-year runs.
We are currently implementing the above mentioned water physics into the
latest version of the Ames GCM. We will run the full 3-D model with just a
polar source and the cycles decoupled to be used as a base comparison.
Subsequently, analysis done on multiyear runs with the cycles coupled will
yield changes in sedimentation and vertical distribution.
This work was supported by NASA's Planetary Atmospheres Program
(NASA/NAG5-1213) and also by the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium.
Future Work
I defended my PhD Thesis, Sensitivities of a Coupled Dust and Water
Cycle on Mars, on August 11, 2006.
I have accepted a position for the fall at the University of Michigan
as a postdoctoral research fellow.
I will assist with development of a Mars Whole Atmosphere Climate Model,
which will extend from the surface of the planet to the exosphere. I will
also continue to work interpreting observations made by the Mars Odyssey
Neutron Spectrometer of the water equivalent hydrogen in the upper meter
of the Martian surface.
