Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Matthew Chojnacki, David A. Vaz, Simone Silvestro, David C. A. Silva
Summary: Research on polar dunes and sand ripples on Mars reveals distinct characteristics in morphology, distribution, and mobility. Different aeolian bedforms contribute varying sand fluxes, with increased activity attributed to off-cap sublimation winds and summer polar storms.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lior Rubanenko, Mathieu G. A. Lapotre, Ryan C. Ewing, Lori K. Fenton, Andrew Gunn
Summary: This study provides evidence that large martian ripples form from the same hydrodynamic instability as windblown dunes and subaqueous ripples. Artificial neural network analysis of isolated barchan dunes on Mars reveals that the size of the smallest dunes decreases with increasing atmospheric density.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
I. B. Smith, D. E. Lalich, C. Rezza, B. H. N. Horgan, J. L. Whitten, S. Nerozzi, J. W. Holt
Summary: The bright radar reflections observed beneath the south polar layered deposits on Mars were proposed to be caused by hydrated and cold clay-rich deposits, rather than liquid water. Experimental measurements and wave propagation modeling showed that these minerals, cooled to 230 K, have the potential to cause the bright reflections and are present in south polar orbital visible-near infrared reflectance spectra.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Norbert Schorghofer
Summary: Caves on Mars may contain water ice deposits, with hoarfrost being the main type of cave ice. The role of cave microclimates in maintaining ice bodies is comparatively evaluated.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kirby D. Runyon, Christina E. Viviano, Mackenzie Day
Summary: In aeolian-dominated conditions, widespread paleodunes on modern Mars with morphologies consistent with transverse dunes may have formed from wind-mobilized pyroclastics, eroded into hybrid paleobedform/protoyardangs under recent winds.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geology
Devon M. Burr, Christina E. Viviano, Timothy Michaels, Matthew Chojnacki, Robert E. Jacobsen
Summary: The origin of dark windblown sand on Mars, which has significant geologic effects, has been a question yet to be answered. Through comparisons and analyses, this study suggests that pyroclastic deposits are likely the primary source of the dark sand and this mechanism has been widespread throughout Martian history.
Article
Geology
Devon M. Burr, Christina E. Viviano, Timothy Michaels, Matthew Chojnacki, Robert E. Jacobsen
Summary: This study investigates the source of sand in the Aeolis Dorsa region on Mars, and suggests that volcanic pyroclastic deposits are likely the primary origin of dark sand. The findings indicate that this sand genesis mechanism may have operated throughout Martian history.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mara Mantegazza, Mauro G. Spagnuolo, Angelo P. Rossi
Summary: This study analyzes pit craters in the north-eastern external slope of Hale Crater, and classifies and analyzes the landforms associated with these craters. The findings suggest that the pit craters might be related to volatile processes and formed by the sublimation/melting of ground ice in glacial or periglacial conditions.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Rubanenko, A. Gunn, S. Perez-Lopez, L. K. Fenton, R. C. Ewing, A. Soto, M. G. A. Lapotre
Summary: The morphology of dunes on Mars can be used to investigate its atmosphere. A convolutional neural network was used to characterize over 700,000 barchans globally, revealing that their migration aligns with known atmospheric circulation patterns and is affected by topographic roughness. This study provides insights into aeolian processes on Mars and can aid in predicting future missions.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
David M. H. Baker, Lynn M. M. Carter
Summary: By using SHAllow RADar (SHARAD) radar sounding data, researchers have studied a widespread Middle Amazonian mantle unit on Mars and found significant variations in the physical properties of these mantling units, including ice content and age. The study also reveals the relationship between mantle deposits and glacial basal reflectors in the mid-latitudes of Mars. This research demonstrates the high variability in the origins and evolution of mid-latitude mantling units on Mars.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Shannon M. Hibbard, Nathan R. Williams, Matthew P. Golombek, Gordon R. Osinski, Etienne Godin
Summary: Viscous flow features, including lobate debris aprons and lineated valley fill, are common ice-related features found across the mid-latitudes of Mars. The sinuous and lobate features in Arcadia Planitia are believed to be buried debris-covered glaciers formed during higher obliquity periods in Mars' recent past. These features appear to be channelized ice that once flowed but currently reside in a flat-lying region.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Davide Sulcanese, Giuseppe Mitri, Antonio Genova, Flavio Petricca, Simone Andolfo, Gianluca Chiarolanza
Summary: Possible subglacial standing bodies of liquid water have been discovered at the base of the South Polar Layered Deposits on Mars, based on the interpretation of radar signals from the MARSIS instrument. Surface topography analysis combined with radar sounder signals support the presence of these subglacial water zones.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
N. R. Alsaeed, P. O. Hayne
Summary: The Martian water cycle is closely linked to the polar regions, particularly through the mechanism of CO2 snowfall. This study uses data and models to estimate that significant amounts of water are deposited onto the polar caps every winter, with around 10^9 - 10^10 kg in the north and 10^8 - 10^9 kg in the south.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mackenzie Day, James R. Zimbelman
Summary: Aeolian bedforms on Mars are diverse and do not always have direct Earth analogs, leading to confusion in nomenclature. This note aims to address this issue and propose a solution.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
M. S. Fernanders, R. Gough, V. F. Chevrier, Z. R. Schiffman, S. B. Ushijima, G. M. Martinez, E. G. Rivera-Valentin, P. D. Archer, J. Clark, B. Sutter, M. A. Tolbert
Summary: Chlorine in various forms is widespread on Mars, with perchlorates and chlorides being commonly found. While perchlorates have been extensively studied, chlorate salts have received less attention. Laboratory studies revealed differences in water uptake behavior between sodium chlorate and magnesium chlorate salts at different temperatures, suggesting temperature-dependent deliquescence properties. Observations also showed the potential interaction of magnesium chlorate with water vapor under specific environmental conditions.