Diurnal behaviour of water on mars

We have developed a numerical model of the diurnal transport of water across the martian surface. The atmospheric boundary layer is modelled in terms of local radiative-convective processes. The radiative effects of ice fogs near the surface are included in the model. The diffusion of water in the ground is treated for the cases of adsorption and condensation.The model is applied to the diurnal variation of water vapour in the atmosphere as observed by Barker (1974a,b,; 1975). We can explain the morning rise in the amount of water vapour in terms of the evaporation of ground fogs. The evening decrease is compatible with our model if adsorption dominates in the soil. The average level of vapour concentration requires that the atmosphere above the boundary layer be relatively dry. The ground fogs persist until midmorning and should be observable. Some consequences of these conclusions are discussed.