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The Origin of Regional Dust Deposits on MarsRecently, additional evidence was derived from the Viking Infrared Thermal Mapper observations that allows a more complete model for the formation of Low Thermal inertia-high Albedo regions to be proposed. The first observation is that dust appears to be currently accumulating in the low thermal inertia regions. Following each global dust storm a thin layer of dust is deposited globally, as evidenced by an increase in surface albedo seen from orbit and from the Viking Lander sites. During the period following the storm, the bright dust fallout is subsequently removed from low albedo regions, as indicated by the post-storm darkening of these surfaces and by an increase in the atmospheric dust content over dark regions relative to the bright, low thermal inertia regions. Thus, the fine dust storm material is removed from dark regions but not from the bright regions, resulting in a net accumulation within the bright, low thermal inertia regions. Once deposition has begun, the covering of exposed rocks and sand and the accumulation of fine material on the surface make removal of material increasingly difficult, thereby enhancing the likelihood that material will accumulate within the low thermal inertia regions.
Document ID
19850015267
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Christensen, P. R.
(Arizona State Univ. Tempe, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. and Geophys. Program
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N23578
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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