Characterizing Seasonal and Residual Ices at the South Pole of Mars Using a Universal Set of CRISM Spectral Endmembers

Current maps of compositional variation across south polar ice exposures on Mars do not resolve the meter-scales at which erosional processes are most active, ultimately limiting our understanding how deposits form and evolve they can be used to interpret long-term climate records. In this study, we use k-means clustering random forest classification identify map a set universal spectral endmembers 167 high-resolution observations acquired during southern summer by Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars. The 21 show distinct combinations strengths key infrared absorption features reflecting diverse mixtures CO2 ice, H2O dust. resulting framework characterize nature both seasonal frost residual ices it overlies variety terrains. Following large dust event Year 28, CO2-ice (RCD) were covered an unusually thick or long-lived deposit frost. Within RCD, low-albedo material around display absorptions consistent with outer margins RCD. These peripheral water-ice unexpected in content. Most notably, regions within several km edge RCD contributions from even after has been removed. results inform investigations focused dynamics deposition, development morphologies, creation records stratigraphy.