Science goals and objectives many studies of ICE-rich features on the surface of mars have contributed to our understanding of the planet s climate history. In particular, the polar layered deposits…

University of Arizona, operating as the Arizona Board of Regents, was awarded an $287,455.12 grant for research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center. The grant is for a study of ice mounds on the surface of Mars, with the goal of advancing the understanding of these features and their potential connection to the planet's climate history. This research aligns with NASA's broader scientific objectives for exploring and studying Mars. The contract has no set-aside designation and was awarded on August 15, 2017, with a completion date of August 14, 2020.

Science goals and objectives many studies of ICE-rich features on the surface of mars have contributed to our understanding of the planet s climate history. In particular, the polar layered deposits (plds) are hypothesized to record paleoclimate. Convex ICE deposits 100S of m thick within craters at high latitudes hold similar promise, but are understudied relative to the PLD. We propose a study of these ICE mounds. ICE mounds have been observed in circumpolar craters at high-latitudes by several instruments; however, important questions remain. Whether the ICE mounds formed as part of an extensive ICE sheet larger than the present day PLD, formed separately but contemporaneously with the PLD, formed completely independently but still as a result of atmospheric deposition, or from another formation mechanism entirely is still unknown. Mounds near the south pole have no comprehensive catalog available although previous radar-based study has shown at least some of them are, like the northern mounds, ICE-rich. Features elsewhere that resemble remnants of ancient ICE mounds are difficult to identify without an understanding of the present day ICE mounds at the poles. Here, we seek to collect and analyze data of circumpolar ICE mounds to advance understanding of these features. We will measure relevant parameters of the mounds, analyze these data to establish any connection to climate history, and model evolution of ICE mounds over time to interpret observations.