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Windy Mars: A dynamic planet as seen by the HiRISE camera
Author(s) -
Bridges N. T.,
Geissler P. E.,
McEwen A. S.,
Thomson B. J.,
Chuang F. C.,
Herkenhoff K. E.,
Keszthelyi L. P.,
MartínezAlonso S.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2007gl031445
Subject(s) - aeolian processes , mars exploration program , orbiter , geology , martian surface , bedform , martian , astrobiology , planet , geomorphology , earth science , remote sensing , aerospace engineering , astronomy , sediment transport , physics , sediment , engineering
With a dynamic atmosphere and a large supply of particulate material, the surface of Mars is heavily influenced by wind‐driven, or aeolian, processes. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provides a new view of Martian geology, with the ability to see decimeter‐size features. Current sand movement, and evidence for recent bedform development, is observed. Dunes and ripples generally exhibit complex surfaces down to the limits of resolution. Yardangs have diverse textures, with some being massive at HiRISE scale, others having horizontal and cross‐cutting layers of variable character, and some exhibiting blocky and polygonal morphologies. “Reticulate” (fine polygonal texture) bedforms are ubiquitous in the thick mantle at the highest elevations.