Why is the south polar cap of Mars offset?

[JonClarke]

<p>Scientists are now able to better explain why Mars&rsquo;s residual southern ice cap is misplaced, thanks to data from ESA&rsquo;s Mars Express spacecraft - the martian weather system is to blame. And so is the largest impact crater on Mars &ndash; even though it is nowhere near the south pole.</p><p>http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEMO78Q4KKF_0.html</p><p>Jon</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>

 

[l3p3r]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Scientists are now able to better explain why Mars&rsquo;s residual southern ice cap is misplaced, thanks to data from ESA&rsquo;s Mars Express spacecraft - the martian weather system is to blame. And so is the largest impact crater on Mars &ndash; even though it is nowhere near the south pole.http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEMO78Q4KKF_0.htmlJon <br /> Posted by jonclarke</DIV><br />I never even realised it was a crater, nor that the south pole was off centre! Great article, thanks. Any idea what sized body might have caused a crater 7km deep that drives the southern hemisphere weather!? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I never even realised it was a crater, nor that the south pole was off centre! Great article, thanks. Any idea what sized body might have caused a crater 7km deep that drives the southern hemisphere weather!? <br />Posted by l3p3r</DIV></p><p>A large and very old impact I suggest!</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>