Atmospheric Dynamics of IR‐Active Particles Released From Mars' Surface

Abstract Surface release of radiatively active particles, with high infrared‐ (IR‐)to‐visible extinction ratios, has been proposed as a method of warming Mars. However, to warm Mars using aerosols, particles released locally must disperse globally. Here we provide an initial reference study in a plume tracking, dry Martian atmospheric model to address this question. The winds that transport aerosols respond to the aerosol's IR forcing, implying strong radiative‐dynamical feedbacks (RDF). We investigate RDF from surface release of two particle compositions: carbon (graphene) and metal (Al). Self‐lofting helps particles rise and spread locally and regionally, and the Hadley cell strengthens under warming, aiding latitudinal mixing. Within our model, Mars RDF enable engineered‐aerosol warming. Warming is slightly greater for three‐dimensional vs. 1D‐models and also depends on spectral resolution of radiative transfer. We assess implications for Mars warming. Many open atmospheric science questions remain, including the role of agglomeration, dry‐deposition rate uncertainty, and modeling water cycle feedbacks.