The University of Texas at Austin
Mission to Mars

Benchmarks: Mars Geography

8) Ice caps

See also the benchmark lesson on Water on Mars.

Mars has ice caps at both its northern and southern poles. The ice is water ice and carbon dioxide ice (dry ice). In ideal observing conditions, it is possible to see the Martian ice caps from a backyard telescope on Earth.

Mars with ice caps.  NASA/JPL.

In the summer, the ice caps shrink as the water ice evaporates, leaving behind the carbon dioxide ice.

Martian North Polar Ice Cap.  NASA/JPL.


Continue to the next benchmark lesson: Mars Conditions
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