Dune‐like dynamic of Martian Aeolian large ripples
Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2016 papers
Abstract
Abstract Martian dunes are sculpted by meter‐scale bed forms, which have been interpreted as wind ripples based on orbital data. Because aeolian ripples tend to orient and migrate transversely to the last sand‐moving wind, they have been widely used as wind vanes on Earth and Mars. In this report we show that Martian large ripples are dynamically different from Earth's ripples. By remotely monitoring their evolution within the Mars Science Laboratory landing site, we show that these bed forms evolve longitudinally with minimal lateral migration in a time‐span of ~ six terrestrial years. Our observations suggest that the large Martian ripples can record more than one wind direction and that in certain cases they are more similar to linear dunes from a dynamic point of view. Consequently, the assumption of the transverse nature of the large Martian ripples must be used with caution when using these features to derive wind directions.
Related Papers
- → Mobility of icy sand packs, with application to Martian permafrost(2009)30 cited
- → The Martian meteorite paradox: Climatic influence on impact ejection from Mars?(2007)16 cited
- → Accessing the Martian deep subsurface to search for life(2000)28 cited
- Study of topographic effects on the main Martian ionospheric peak with the Mars Express MARSIS instrument(2012)
- → The influence of crustal magnetic fields on the Martian bow shock : a statistical analysis of Mars Volatile EvolutioN and Mars Express observations(2020)