Spatial Autocorrelation of Martian Surface Temperature and Its Spatio-Temporal Relationships with Near-Surface Environmental Factors across China’s Tianwen-1 Landing Zone

Variations in the Martian surface temperature indicate patterns of energy exchange. The at a location is similar to those adjacent locations; but, an understanding clusters multiple locations will deepen our knowledge planetary processes overall. spatial coherence (ST) different locations, spatio-temporal variations clusters, and relationships between ST near-surface environmental factors, however, are not well understood. To fill this gap, we studied area south Utopia Planitia, landing zone for Tianwen-1 Mars Exploration mission. aggregation three indicators (STIs), including sol average (SAT), range (STR), sol-to-sol change (STC), were quantitatively evaluated using clustering analysis global local scale. In addition, also detected relations STIs seven potential driving thermal inertia, albedo, dust, elevation, slope, zonal meridional winds, across study during 81 111 sols years 29–32, based on geographically temporally weighted regression model (GTWR). We found that SAT, STR, STC randomly distributed over space but exhibited signs significant aggregation. Thermal inertia dust made greatest contribution fluctuation time. was likely affected by wind, circulation, especially with large slope low inertia. sheltering effects mountains edge basin contributed difference SAT STR. These results reminder variation factors associated cannot be neglected. Our research contributes environment might compromise survival operations lander surface.