Structure and Behavior of Mars

Structure of Mars

Mars has a low density. This suggests that its core must contain considerably less iron ( in comparison to overall mass of the planet) than other Terrestrial planets.

The lack of a global magnetic field suggests that the core was completely solid. Estimates of core size ranged from less than 30% of the size of the planet (if similar to iron meteorites) to a maximum of 60% of the size of the planet (if rich in sulfur and other lighter materials).

Too many text. Kindly reduce this to keywords. You may use bullet points. See suggested change in the next slide.

Mars’ Core

• Low density (less iron in the core)• Solid core (no global magnetic field)• 30% to 60% of the planet (Fe or S?)

By having less text, you can now insert a picture. Also, you will be forced not to read from the slide- instead, you will make your own full sentences using these keywords. That way, your slide will not contain exactly what you’re saying- if it does, then your report becomes boring.

http://cseligman.com/text/planets/marsstructure.htm

In the past, a partially liquid core produced global magnetic fields and fossil magnetism in rocks but has cooled to the point where although still liquid, it no longer has a large enough heat flow to be convective. Thus, it cannot support a significant planetary field. The estimated size of the core remains smallish (38 to 44% of the size of the planet), depending upon the amount of sulfur in the core.

Please organize better- emphasize that there are two theories regarding Mars’ core. One says it is solid (iron), while another says it is liquid (sulfur). Also, use keywords only.

http://cseligman.com/text/planets/marsstructure.htm

This diagram contradicts what you said in the second slide (that the core is completely solid as evidence by the lack of a global magnetic field). Please clarify this. Is this another theory? So far, you’ve mentioned two: completely solid core and a completely liquid core. Also, indicate the reference for this diagram.

A wholly liquid core, about half the size of the planet, and of necessity containing substantial amounts of sulfur, also fails to produce any convection or magnetic field.

http://cseligman.com/text/planets/marsstructure.htm

Behavior of Mars

• Climate of Mars

Today’s Martian climate is regulated by seasonal changes of the carbon dioxide ice caps. This is the movement of large amounts of dust by the atmosphere and the exchange of water vapor between the surface and the atmosphere. Dust storms generally occur in the southern spring and summer.

Green is too dark for the black background. Please improve the contrast- use light green or any other lighter color.

Mars' current climate helps scientists determine its past climatic behavior. Monitoring the planet for this information over one full Martian year (687 Earth days) will help us understand how Mars behaves over its seasonal cycle and guide us toward understanding how the planet changes over millions of years.

The layered terrain of the Martian polar regions also holds clues about the planet's past, much like the rings of a tree provide a record of its history. There are questions that still have to be answered like:When and how were these polar layers deposited? Was the climate of Mars ever like that of Earth? And if so, what happened to change the planet into the dry, cold, barren desert it is today?

Past studies show that like the earth Mars has changed over time. Today, Mars is cold and dry and liquid water is not stable on the surface. However, very early in the planet’s history (more than 3.5 billion years ago) climatic conditions appear to have been favorable for the presence of liquid water on the surface.

• Rotation of Mars

Mars rotates on its axis for about 24 hours and 37 minutes. Mars rotates in counter clockwise.

• Revolution of Mars

Mars revolves 686.98 (Earth)days which is equal to complete an orbit around the sun, which is the same as 1.8808 ( Earth) years.

Please add more pictures. There are too many words in your report. You may actually use a gif image (one that is animated) to spice up your report. See sample in the next slide.

http://www.colmanweb.com/Assets/Resources/MarsAnimation.gif

http://www.huginn.com/knuth/blog/anims/mars-anim.gif

http://planetfacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/MarsOrbitTop.jpg

http://teacherweb.com/MA/MountviewMiddleSchool/MrAmbachScience6Blue/MarsAxis.bmp