Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufm.p31b0129s&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #P31B-0129
Physics
5464 Remote Sensing, 5470 Surface Materials And Properties, 6225 Mars
Scientific paper
Transverse aeolian ridges (TARs) are quite common across the Martian surface. Investigation of these features enables researchers to further analyze the geology as well as the past and present climates of Mars. The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity gave scientists their first look at TARs of varying scales from the surface as the rover traversed southwards across Meridiani Planum. At a much broader scale, Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images can be analyzed to determine the length, shape, orientation, and location of these features from orbit. In particular, the TARs of Nirgal Vallis and Valles Marineris were analyzed in an attempt to differentiate TAR characteristics in both small and large channels. Through this research, little correlation between average TAR wavelength, TAR orientation, and elevation of the sampled location was found, indicating that additional research is necessary to identify further relationships. The effects of large and small channels, however, were evident. The orientation of the TARs in Nirgal Vallis (which is only a few kilometers wide) tends to reflect the direction of the channel, indicating that wind flow is generally consistent with the shape of the channel. In contrast, the orientation of the TARs in Valles Marineris (which is several hundred kilometers wide) tends to be more random, indicating that more local climatic processes are at work. In order to fully understand the Martian climate and the processes that shape the Martian surface, investigation of the most dominate weathering process, wind, must continue to be performed. Due to the lack of liquid water on its surface, wind is the sole erosion, transportation, and deposition agent at play on Mars. As a result, before humans could ever set foot on the Martian surface, it is necessary to identify, measure, and understand these aeolian processes and how they shape, mold, and modify the Martian surface.
Salvatore Mark R.
Zimbelman James R.
No associations
LandOfFree
Investigation of Martian Transverse Aeolian Ridges 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 Investigation of Martian Transverse Aeolian Ridges, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Investigation of Martian Transverse Aeolian Ridges will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-961723