Dune-like dynamic of Martian Aeolian large ripples
Journal
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
Martian dunes are sculpted by meter-scale bed forms, which have been interpreted as wind ripples based on orbital data. Because aeolian ripples tend to orient and migrate transversely to the last sand-moving wind, they have been widely used as wind vanes on Earth and Mars. In this report we show that Martian large ripples are dynamically different from Earth's ripples. By remotely monitoring their evolution within the Mars Science Laboratory landing site, we show that these bed forms evolve longitudinally with minimal lateral migration in a time-span of ~ six terrestrial years. Our observations suggest that the large Martian ripples can record more than one wind direction and that in certain cases they are more similar to linear dunes from a dynamic point of view. Consequently, the assumption of the transverse nature of the large Martian ripples must be used with caution when using these features to derive wind directions.
Volume
43
Issue
16
Start page
8384
Issn Identifier
0094-8276
Ads BibCode
2016GeoRL..43.8384S
Rights
open.access
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Silvestro et al. - 2016 - Dune-like dynamic of Martian Aeolian large ripples(2).pdf
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Format
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