Dust Storm‐Enhanced Gravity Wave Activity in the Martian Thermosphere Observed by MAVEN and Implication for Atmospheric Escape

Lower atmospheric global dust storms affect the small- and large-scale weather variability of whole Martian atmosphere. Analysis CO$_2$ density data from Neutral Gas Ion Mass Spectrometer instrument (NGIMS) on board NASA's Mars Atmosphere Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft show a remarkable increase GW-induced fluctuations in thermosphere during 2018 major storm with distinct latitude local time variability. The mean thermospheric GW activity increases by factor two event. magnitude relative perturbations is around 20% average 40% locally. One half months later, gradually decreases. Enhanced temperature disturbances can facilitate escape. For first time, we estimate that, for disturbances, net Jeans escape flux hydrogen 1.3 2, respectively.