Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005georl..3223202c&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 32, Issue 23, CiteID L23202
Physics
13
Atmospheric Processes: Convective Processes, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: General Or Miscellaneous, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Dust, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars
Scientific paper
The Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) imaged a Martian dust devil in both visible and thermal-infrared wavelengths on January 30, 2004. We believe this is the first documented infrared observation of an extraterrestrial dust devil, and the highest to be directly observed at more than 16 kilometers above the equatorial geoid of Mars. This dust devil measured over 700 meters in height and 375 meters across, and the strongest infrared signature was given by atmospheric dust absorption in the 9-micron range (THEMIS IR band 5). In addition to having formed in the extremely low-pressure environment of about 1 millibar, this dust devil is of particular interest because it was observed at 16:06 local time. This is an unusually late time of day to find dust devils on Mars, during a period when rapid surface cooling typically reduces the boundary-layer turbulence necessary to form these convective vortices. Understanding the mechanisms for dust-devil formation under such extreme circumstances will help to constrain theories of atmospheric dynamics, and of dust lifting and transport mechanisms on Mars.
Christensen Philip R.
Cushing Glen E.
Titus Timothy N.
No associations
LandOfFree
THEMIS VIS and IR observations of a high-altitude Martian dust devil does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with THEMIS VIS and IR observations of a high-altitude Martian dust devil, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and THEMIS VIS and IR observations of a high-altitude Martian dust devil will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1432257