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A Comparison of Methods Used to Estimate the Height of Sand Dunes on MarsThe collection of morphometric data on small-scale landforms from other planetary bodies is difficult. We assess four methods that can be used to estimate the height of aeolian dunes on Mars. These are (1) stereography, (2) slip face length, (3) profiling photoclinometry, and (4) Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). Results show that there is good agreement among the methods when conditions are ideal. However, limitations inherent to each method inhibited their accurate application to all sites. Collectively, these techniques provide data on a range of morphometric parameters, some of which were not previously available for dunes on Mars. They include dune height, width, length, surface area, volume, and longitudinal and transverse profiles. Thc utilization of these methods will facilitate a more accurate analysis of aeolian dunes on Mars and enable comparison with dunes on other planetary surfaces.
Document ID
20070030055
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bourke, M. C.
(Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Balme, M.
(Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Beyer, R. A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Williams, K. K.
(National Air and Space Museum Washington, DC, United States)
Zimbelman, J.
(National Air and Space Museum Washington, DC, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
November 29, 2006
Publication Information
Publication: Geomorphology
Volume: 81
Subject Category
Geophysics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG04GJ92G
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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