Dust “ Drifts ” on Mars

نویسندگان

  • P. E. Geissler
  • L. K. Fenton
  • N. T. Bridges
چکیده

Introduction: Eolian sedimentary deposits are important because they provide a record of the direction and strength of winds on Mars and the type and flux of sediments transported by the winds. While Martian sand dunes and transverse aeolian ridges ("TARs") have been thoroughly studied, the sedimentary deposits left behind by blowing dust have received comparatively little attention to date. With the unprecedented resolution of the HiRISE camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, we can study surface features too small to have been seen in orbital observations by previous missions. In a few locations, features have been spotted that are interpreted to be dust "drifts", representing a new class of Martian eolian deposits distinct from dunes and TARs.

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تاریخ انتشار 2013