Scale-dependent infrared radiative damping rates on Mars and their role in the deposition of gravity-wave momentum flux

► Radiative damping dissipates significant gravity-wave momentum flux on Mars. ► Radiative damping controls gravity-wave momentum deposition at low altitudes. ► Radiative damping controls momentum deposition at short vertical wavelengths. ► Wave breaking dominates only at high altitudes and long vertical wavelengths. ► Gravity-wave drag parameterizations for Mars need to include radiative damping.