The Martian Planetary Boundary Layer: Turbulent kinetic energy and fundamental similarity scales

We review selected in situ measurements and models aimed at the study of the Martian Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL). We also discuss critically the advantages and limitations of applying similarity theories to the Martian PBL and calculate the fundamental scales predicted by these theories. Finally, we obtain values of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and address its budget by weighting the significance of the different terms involved in it. In situ measurements taken by the Viking and Pathfinder missions along with similarity theories conveniently adapted to Mars are used to obtain the fundamental scales, the TKE and its budget.