Kilometer-resolution gravity field of Mars: MGM2011

We present a model that resolves the gravity field of Mars down to km-scales: Mars Gravity Model 2011 (MGM2011). MGM2011 uses Newtonian forward-modelling and the MOLA (Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter) topography model to estimate the short-scale gravity field (scales of ∼3 to ∼125 km). Combined with a reference gravity field and the satellite-tracking model MRO110B2, MGM2011 provides surface gravity accelerations and vertical deflections over the entire Martian surface at 3 arc-min resolution. MGM2011 is beneficial for gravity field simulation, inversion and statistics, as well as engineering-driven applications such as topographic mapping and inertial navigation.

Improved gravity modelling for Valles Marineris: Space-collected gravity MRO110B2 (panel A) is refined with topography-implied gravity to approximate the expected gravity field down 3-km scales (MGM2011, panel B). Figure shows free-air gravity in mGals.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (173 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► MGM2011 provides gravity functionals at 3 km resolution over Mars.
► Topography refines space-craft gravity from scales of 125 to 3 km.
► Applications are navigation and mapping, and gravity field simulation.