Widespread Megaripple Activity Across the North Polar Ergs of Mars

The most expansive dune fields on Mars surround the northern polar cap where various aeolian bedform classes are modified by wind and ice. The morphology and dynamics of these ripples, intermediate-scale bedforms (termed megaripples and transverse aeolian ridges (TARs)), and sand dunes reflect information regarding regional boundary conditions. We found that populations of polar megaripples and larger TARs are distinct in terms of their morphology, spatial distribution, and mobility. Whereas regionally-restricted TARs appeared degraded and static in long-baseline observations, polar megaripples were not only widespread but migrating at relatively high rates (0.13± 0.03 m/Earth year) and possibly more active than other regions on Mars. This high level of activity is somewhat surprising since there is limited seasonality for aeolian transport due to surficial frost and ice during the latter half of the martian year. A comprehensive analysis of an Olympia Cavi dune field estimated that the advancement of megaripples, ripples, and dunes avalanches accounted for ~1%, ~10%, and ~100%, respectively, of the total aeolian system’s sand fluxes. This included dark-toned ripples that migrated the average equivalent of 9.6±6 m/yr over just 22 days in northern summer - unprecedented rates for Mars. While bedform transport rates are some of the highest yet reported on Mars, the sand flux contribution between the different bedforms does not substantially vary from equatorial sites with lower rates. Seasonal off-cap sublimation winds and summer-time polar storms are attributed as the cause for the elevated activity, rather than cryospheric processes.

Plain Language Summary

“Megaripples” are distinct wind-driven bedforms that occur on the surface of Earth and Mars, often with sizes between that of smaller ripples and larger dunes. Recent work has found the thin martian atmosphere can mobilize some coarse-grained megaripples, overturning prior notions that these were static relic landforms from a past climate. We mapped megaripples and adjacent bedforms across the north polar sand seas, the most expansive collection of dune fields on Mars. Megaripples were found to be widespread across the region and migrating at relatively high rates relative to other sites on Mars that are at lower latitudes. This enhanced activity is likely related to the greater sand fluxes found for neighboring dunes which are driven by summer-time seasonal winds when polar ice is sublimating. In contrast, other megaripples appear to be stabilized, a likely result of inter-granular ice within low wind areas.