Coupling processes linking the lower and upper atmosphere of Mars
Résumé
Over the last decade a wealth of observations has produced an unprecedented characterization of the atmospheric composition and activity from the near-surface to above the exosphere. In this overview, a synthesis of some of these observations collected will be presented. With the data at hand, it is now possible to assemble a single, coherent picture of the Martian atmosphere from the near-surface layers up until the layers interacting with the solar wind. Addressing the coupling between the lower and the upper atmosphere of Mars is central to our understanding of the key elements controlling the fate of volatiles on Mars. A focus will be made on the water vapor subliming from the seasonal and perennial ices that convert later into H atoms at higher altitude.