Differences in aeolian material genesis of martian dunes – can we find water deposits on Northen Lowlands?
- Paper number
IAC-06-A3.P.03
- Author
Mr. Krzysztof Skocki, Space Research Center PAS, Poland
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Eolian deposits on Mars are well known for over 40 years. Starting from Mariner series we are observing typical dune covered areas. Authors used satellite imagery to analyze variations in types, shapes and dimensions of these forms. Data from different spectrometers were also used for such investigations. Apart from landers data we had no high spatial resolution spectroscopic data of dunes. Up to date, many of spectrometers produce very high quality spectra, but signal is collected over big field of view, exceeding dimensions of analyzed objects. Recently we achieved the powerful tool for martian surface analyze - spectrometer OMEGA on Mars Express orbiter, operating on orbit since 2004. Many authors investigated well known since 60’s aeolian deposits on Mars. Many papers are focused on morphometrical variability research and consistency with observed and modeled wind directions. Probably there is still no paper covering spectral variability and geomorphological of dunes. The concept of dualism of martian dunes material genesis is presented. Preliminary spectral and visual results allow to formulate hypothesis that aeolian dunes observed in Chasma Boreale can be formed by different material than in equatorial craters of planet. Chasma Boreale dunes can be composed of dust aggregates cemented by different ions. This can allow to link such material with seasonal water floods. We know terrestrial analogs for such dunes, especially in Draa valley, SE Marocco. It is now possible to compare analog forms with dunes observed on surface of Mars. On southern highlands of Mars we can observe second population of dunes. From morphological point of view this dunes seems similar to northern ones, but some special processes, like “dusty spots”, cannot be find. It is possible, these sand dunes are composed rather by coarser particles and there are no aggregates there. Terrestrial analog for these dunes can be probably find for instance in Western Desert in Egypt. This analog will be analyzed too. Poster will present results of spectral and geomorphological analyses. Different types of orbiters and landers imagery and spectral data will be used.
- Abstract document