A SIMPLIFIED 3-DIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR MARTIAN CLIMATE STUDIES

We describe a simplified physics approach to generating time-varying g lobalwind and temperature fields suitable for conducting transport stu dies on Mars. The goal wind and temperature fields suitable for conduc ting transport studies on Mars. The goal is to develop a computational ly fast algorithm that will enable long-term simulations of the planet 's climate system. Thus we use a three-dimensional log-pressure global spectral model forced with a simplified physics package based on Newt onian cooling and RayIeigh friction. We examine the model's performanc e at northern winter solstice for clear and dusty conditions and find that the simulated mean meridional circulation and transient eddies co mpare well with a more sophisticated general circulation model by tuni ng a single parameter: the thermal damping time. Best results are obta ined for a thermal damping time of 2 days for clear conditions and 1 d ay for dusty conditions.