Planet Four: Derived South Polar Martian Winds Interpreted Using Mesoscale Modeling

Abstract For the first time, model-derived and imagery-derived wind directions speeds have been compared in Mars’s south polar region. Seasonal fan-shaped deposits are routinely observed by HiRISE regions. They widely accepted to result from CO 2 gas jet eruptions. Fan lengths, sizes, shapes can provide information about strengths at times such eruptions occur. We utilize a catalog of those deposits, marked citizen scientists within framework Planet Four (P4) project, 27 regions interest (ROIs) for two spring seasons (Mars years 29 30). Fans change considerably one image another most these ROIs as direction changes over season. Leveraging this characteristic, intraseasonal variations near-surface were retrieved winds predicted mesoscale atmospheric model (MRAMS) same ROIs. At P4-inferred consistent with MRAMS. The P4-derived less constrained but MRAMS majority overall consistency between supports underlying assumption that fan formation is controlled not simply due ballistic trajectories material exiting suitably nonvertical vents. Measurements seasonal imagery thus important winds—invaluable both validating climate modeling quantitatively investigating processes.