Constraining the Spatial Extent and Timing of Local-scale Seasonal Frost in the Northern Mid Latitude Re-

Introduction: CO2 gas comprises ~95% of the martian atmosphere which can condense or precipitate if the surface temperature drops below the CO2 frost point [1]. This drop in temperature forms solid CO2 on the surface as diurnal or “daily” frost [2], seasonal frost [1], or snowfall [3]. Minute amounts of water frost can also condense onto the surface (possibly incorporated into the CO2 frost), if sufficient water vapor is available [4]. The deposition and removal of seasonal frost have been proposed as geomorphic agents capable of altering the martian surface in a variety of ways [5]. Our work involves a methodology for detecting seasonal frost at high temporal and spatial resolution, in order to constrain the duration of the frosted season within specific study sites and at a scale relevant for geomorphic activity. This will provide important environmental constraints for investigations of active surface processes and additional environmental data to compare against current thermal models/ general circulation models (GCMs).