Mars global digital dune database and initial science results
Citation:
Hayward, RK, Mullins, KF, Fenton, LK, Hare, TM, Titus, TN, Bourke, MC, Colaprete, A, Christensen, PR, Mars global digital dune database and initial science results, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS, 112, E11, 2007Download Item:
Abstract:
A new Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD
3
) constructed using Thermal
Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) infrared (IR) images provides a comprehensive
and quantitative view of the geographic distribution of moderate- to large-size dune fields
(area >1 km
2
) that will help researchers to understand global climatic and sedimentary
processes that have shaped the surface of Mars. MGD
3
extends from 65
Nto65
S latitude
and includes
550 dune fields, covering
70,000 km
2
, with an estimated total volume of
3,600 km
3
. This area, when combined with polar dune estimates, suggests moderate- to
large-size dune field coverage on Mars may total
800,000 km
2
,
6 times less than
the total areal estimate of
5,000,000 km
2
for terrestrial dunes. Where availability and
quality of THEMIS visible (VIS) or Mars Orbiter Camera narrow-angle (MOC NA)
images allow, we classify dunes and include dune slipface measurements, which are
derived from gross dune morphology and represent the prevailing wind direction at the
last time of significant dune modification. For dunes located within craters, the azimuth
from crater centroid to dune field centroid (referred to as dune centroid azimuth) is
calculated and can provide an accurate method for tracking dune migration within smooth-
floored craters. These indicators of wind direction are compared to output from a general
circulation model (GCM). Dune centroid azimuth values generally correlate to regional
wind patterns. Slipface orientations are less well correlated, suggesting that local
topographic effects may play a larger role in dune orientation than regional winds.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/bourkem4Description:
PUBLISHED
Author: BOURKE, MARY
Type of material:
Journal ArticleCollections
Series/Report no:
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS;112;
E11;
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