Is it possible to raise the dynamic equilibrium temperature on the surface of Mars?
Since it is not possible to increase the solar irradiance we must arrange conditions so that the radiation of energy back into space occurs at a higher temperature. In the parlance of scientific terminology… we must shift the thermodynamic equilibrium to a higher temperature. A simple glass (or mylar) greenhouse accomplishes this. Glass blocks the transmission of longwave infrared radiation (radiated outwards by cool objects) but glass is transparent to short wavelength infrared radiation. However, short wavelength infrared is only emitted from warm objects. In order to reach equilibrium, that is, energy-in equal to the energy-out, the objects within the greenhouse must become warmer, so their shorter wavelength infrared radiation will escape into space through the glass. The greenhouse will continue to increase in temperature until equilibrium is reached.
