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Recent Aeolian Dune Change on MarsPrevious comparisons of Martian aeolian dunes in satellite images have not detected any change in dune form or position. Here, we show dome dunes in the north polar region that shrank and then disappeared over a period of 3.04 Mars years (5.7 Earth years), while larger, neighboring dunes showed no erosion or movement. The removal of sand from these dunes indicates that not only is the threshold wind speed for saltation exceeded under present conditions on Mars, but that any sand that is available for transport is likely to be moved. Dunes that show no evidence of change could be crusted, indurated. or subject to infrequent episodes of movement.
Document ID
20070030113
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bourke, M. C.
(Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Edgett, K. S.
(Malin Space Science Systems San Diego, CA, United States)
Cantor, B. A.
(Malin Space Science Systems San Diego, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2007
Subject Category
Geophysics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG04GJ92G
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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