Temperature profiles derived from satellite data observed for Martian Year 29 (MY29), are presented here using a novel technique of diurnal data re-binning, followed by polar plot display of atmospheric meridional (great circle) transects. The use of polar plots allows for a coherent visualisation and understanding of the seasonal distribution and latitudinal progress of the diurnal illumination of the Martian atmosphere throughout the course of the year. Two clear benefits derive from this process of data reorganization, 1. That the distinct separation of illuminated and dark surface temperature data allow for an accurate computation of the global distribution of diurnal temperature range. 2. The data can be successfully displayed as polar plot diagrams which have an immediate visual impact that demonstrates how the process of tropopause height varies under the impact of solar zenith heating and polar nighttime cooling for both diurnal and seasonal timeframes. This study confirms the work of prior authors showing the existence on Mars of a tropical solar-energy driven zone of daytime atmospheric warming, that both diurnally lifts the tropopause and follows the annual latitudinal cycle of the solar zenith. The tropical limb of solar driven ascending convection is dynamically linked to polar zones of descending air, the seasonal focus of which is concentrated over each respective hemisphere’s polar winter cap of continuous darkness and thermal radiant planetary cooling.
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.6171347
Publication Date: 2026-02-23