Aeolian sediment transport pathways and aerodynamics at troughs on Mars
Citation:
Bourke, MC, Bullard, JE, Barnouin-Jha, OS, Aeolian sediment transport pathways and aerodynamics at troughs on Mars, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS, 109, E7, 2004Download Item:
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Abstract:
Interaction between wind regimes and topography can give rise to complex suites
of aeolian landforms. This paper considers aeolian sediment associated with troughs
on Mars and identifies a wider range of deposit types than has previously been
documented. These include wind streaks, falling dunes, ``lateral?? dunes, barchan dunes,
linear dunes, transverse ridges, sand ramps, climbing dunes, sand streamers, and sand
patches. The sediment incorporated into these deposits is supplied by wind streaks and
ambient Planitia sources as well as originating within the trough itself, notably from
the trough walls and floor. There is also transmission of sediment between dunes. The
flow dynamics which account for the distribution of aeolian sediment have been modeled
using two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics. The model predicts flow separation
on the upwind side of the trough followed by reattachment and acceleration at the
downwind margin. The inferred patterns of sediment transport compare well with the
distribution of aeolian forms. Model data indicate an increase of wind velocity by
30%
at the downwind trough margin. This suggests that the threshold wind speed necessary for
sand mobilization on Mars will be more frequently met in these inclined
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/bourkem4Description:
PUBLISHED
Author: BOURKE, MARY
Type of material:
Journal ArticleCollections:
Series/Report no:
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS109
E7
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Full text availableSubject (TCD):
Smart & Sustainable PlanetDOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2003JE002155Licences: