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Spry JA, Siegel B, Bakermans C, Beaty DW, Bell MS, Benardini JN, Bonaccorsi R, Castro-Wallace SL, Coil DA, Coustenis A, Doran PT, Fenton L, Fidler DP, Glass B, Hoffman SJ, Karouia F, Levine JS, Lupisella ML, Martin-Torres J, Mogul R, Olsson-Francis K, Ortega-Ugalde S, Patel MR, Pearce DA, Race MS, Regberg AB, Rettberg P, Rummel JD, Sato KY, Schuerger AC, Sefton-Nash E, Sharkey M, Singh NK, Sinibaldi S, Stabekis P, Stoker CR, Venkateswaran KJ, Zimmerman RR, Zorzano-Mier MP. Planetary Protection Knowledge Gap Closure Enabling Crewed Missions to Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:230-274. [PMID: 38507695 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
As focus for exploration of Mars transitions from current robotic explorers to development of crewed missions, it remains important to protect the integrity of scientific investigations at Mars, as well as protect the Earth's biosphere from any potential harmful effects from returned martian material. This is the discipline of planetary protection, and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) maintains the consensus international policy and guidelines on how this is implemented. Based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) studies that began in 2001, COSPAR adopted principles and guidelines for human missions to Mars in 2008. At that point, it was clear that to move from those qualitative provisions, a great deal of work and interaction with spacecraft designers would be necessary to generate meaningful quantitative recommendations that could embody the intent of the Outer Space Treaty (Article IX) in the design of such missions. Beginning in 2016, COSPAR then sponsored a multiyear interdisciplinary meeting series to address planetary protection "knowledge gaps" (KGs) with the intent of adapting and extending the current robotic mission-focused Planetary Protection Policy to support the design and implementation of crewed and hybrid exploration missions. This article describes the outcome of the interdisciplinary COSPAR meeting series, to describe and address these KGs, as well as identify potential paths to gap closure. It includes the background scientific basis for each topic area and knowledge updates since the meeting series ended. In particular, credible solutions for KG closure are described for the three topic areas of (1) microbial monitoring of spacecraft and crew health; (2) natural transport (and survival) of terrestrial microbial contamination at Mars, and (3) the technology and operation of spacecraft systems for contamination control. The article includes a KG data table on these topic areas, which is intended to be a point of departure for making future progress in developing an end-to-end planetary protection requirements implementation solution for a crewed mission to Mars. Overall, the workshop series has provided evidence of the feasibility of planetary protection implementation for a crewed Mars mission, given (1) the establishment of needed zoning, emission, transport, and survival parameters for terrestrial biological contamination and (2) the creation of an accepted risk-based compliance approach for adoption by spacefaring actors including national space agencies and commercial/nongovernment organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Corien Bakermans
- Department of Biology, Penn. State University (Altoona), Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David W Beaty
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | | | - Rosalba Bonaccorsi
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - David A Coil
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Peter T Doran
- Department of Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lori Fenton
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - David P Fidler
- Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Brian Glass
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | | | - Fathi Karouia
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Joel S Levine
- College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Javier Martin-Torres
- School of Geoscience, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), Armilla, Spain
| | - Rakesh Mogul
- California Polytechnic (Pomona), Pomona, California, USA
| | - Karen Olsson-Francis
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | | | - Manish R Patel
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - David A Pearce
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - John D Rummel
- Friday Harbor Associates LLC, Friday Harbor, Washington, USA
| | | | - Andrew C Schuerger
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| | | | - Matthew Sharkey
- US Department of Health & Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | | | - Carol R Stoker
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
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Love R, Jackson DWT, Michaels T, Smyth TAG, Avouac JP, Cooper A. From Macro- to Microscale: A combined modelling approach for near-surface wind flow on Mars at sub-dune length-scales. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276547. [PMCID: PMC9635718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The processes that initiate and sustain sediment transport which contribute to the modification of aeolian deposits in Mars’ low-density atmosphere are still not fully understood despite recent atmospheric modelling. However, detailed microscale wind flow modelling, using Computational Fluid Dynamics at a resolution of <2 m, provides insights into the near-surface processes that cannot be modeled using larger-scale atmospheric modeling. Such Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations cannot by themselves account for regional-scale atmospheric circulations or flow modifications induced by regional km-scale topography, although realistic fine-scale mesoscale atmospheric modeling can. Using the output parameters from mesoscale simulations to inform the input conditions for the Computational Fluid Dynamics microscale simulations provides a practical approach to simulate near-surface wind flow and its relationship to very small-scale topographic features on Mars, particularly in areas which lack in situ rover data. This paper sets out a series of integrated techniques to enable a multi-scale modelling approach for surface airflow to derive surface airflow dynamics at a (dune) landform scale using High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment derived topographic data. The work therefore provides a more informed and realistic Computational Fluid Dynamics microscale modelling method, which will provide more detailed insight into the surface wind forcing of aeolian transport patterns on martian surfaces such as dunes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Love
- School of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Derek W. T. Jackson
- School of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Geological Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Timothy Michaels
- Carl Sagan Center (at the SETI Institute), Mountain View, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas A. G. Smyth
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Philippe Avouac
- School of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, CalTech, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Cooper
- School of Geography & Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Geological Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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3
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Stack KM, Dietrich WE, Lamb MP, Sullivan RJ, Christian JR, Newman CE, O’Connell‐Cooper CD, Sneed JW, Day M, Baker M, Arvidson RE, Fedo CM, Khan S, Williams RME, Bennett KA, Bryk AB, Cofield S, Edgar LA, Fox VK, Fraeman AA, House CH, Rubin DM, Sun VZ, Van Beek JK. Orbital and In-Situ Investigation of Periodic Bedrock Ridges in Glen Torridon, Gale Crater, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2022; 127:e2021JE007096. [PMID: 35865672 PMCID: PMC9286800 DOI: 10.1029/2021je007096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gale crater, the field site for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, contains a diverse and extensive record of aeolian deposition and erosion. This study focuses on a series of regularly spaced, curvilinear, and sometimes branching bedrock ridges that occur within the Glen Torridon region on the lower northwest flank of Aeolis Mons, the central mound within Gale crater. During Curiosity's exploration of Glen Torridon between sols ∼2300-3080, the rover drove through this field of ridges, providing the opportunity for in situ observation of these features. This study uses orbiter and rover data to characterize ridge morphology, spatial distribution, compositional and material properties, and association with other aeolian features in the area. Based on these observations, we find that the Glen Torridon ridges are consistent with an origin as wind-eroded bedrock ridges, carved during the exhumation of Mount Sharp. Erosional features like the Glen Torridon ridges observed elsewhere on Mars, termed periodic bedrock ridges (PBRs), have been interpreted to form transverse to the dominant wind direction. The size and morphology of the Glen Torridon PBRs are consistent with transverse formative winds, but the orientation of nearby aeolian bedforms and bedrock erosional features raise the possibility of PBR formation by a net northeasterly wind regime. Although several formation models for the Glen Torridon PBRs are still under consideration, and questions persist about the nature of PBR-forming paleowinds, the presence of PBRs at this site provides important constraints on the depositional and erosional history of Gale crater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Stack
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - William E. Dietrich
- Department of Earth and Planetary ScienceUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Michael P. Lamb
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - Robert J. Sullivan
- Cornell Center for Astrophysics & Planetary ScienceCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - John R. Christian
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | | | | | - Jonathan W. Sneed
- Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space SciencesUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Mackenzie Day
- Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space SciencesUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Mariah Baker
- Center for Earth & Planetary StudiesNational Air & Space MuseumSmithsonian InstitutionWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Raymond E. Arvidson
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Christopher M. Fedo
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesUniversity of Tennessee, KnoxvilleKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Sabrina Khan
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary SciencesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMAUSA
| | | | | | - Alexander B. Bryk
- Department of Earth and Planetary ScienceUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Shannon Cofield
- U.S. Department of the InteriorBureau of Ocean Energy ManagementWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Lauren A. Edgar
- Astrogeology Science CenterU.S. Geological SurveyFlagstaffAZUSA
| | - Valerie K. Fox
- Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMNUSA
| | - Abigail A. Fraeman
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | | | - David M. Rubin
- Earth and Planetary SciencesUniversity of California, Santa CruzSanta CruzCAUSA
| | - Vivian Z. Sun
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - Jason K. Van Beek
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
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Newman CE, Hueso R, Lemmon MT, Munguira A, Vicente-Retortillo Á, Apestigue V, Martínez GM, Toledo D, Sullivan R, Herkenhoff KE, de la Torre Juárez M, Richardson MI, Stott AE, Murdoch N, Sanchez-Lavega A, Wolff MJ, Arruego I, Sebastián E, Navarro S, Gómez-Elvira J, Tamppari L, Viúdez-Moreiras D, Harri AM, Genzer M, Hieta M, Lorenz RD, Conrad P, Gómez F, McConnochie TH, Mimoun D, Tate C, Bertrand T, Bell JF, Maki JN, Rodriguez-Manfredi JA, Wiens RC, Chide B, Maurice S, Zorzano MP, Mora L, Baker MM, Banfield D, Pla-Garcia J, Beyssac O, Brown A, Clark B, Lepinette A, Montmessin F, Fischer E, Patel P, del Río-Gaztelurrutia T, Fouchet T, Francis R, Guzewich SD. The dynamic atmospheric and aeolian environment of Jezero crater, Mars. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn3783. [PMID: 35613267 PMCID: PMC9132482 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn3783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of sand and dust to Mars geomorphology, weather, and exploration, the processes that move sand and that raise dust to maintain Mars' ubiquitous dust haze and to produce dust storms have not been well quantified in situ, with missions lacking either the necessary sensors or a sufficiently active aeolian environment. Perseverance rover's novel environmental sensors and Jezero crater's dusty environment remedy this. In Perseverance's first 216 sols, four convective vortices raised dust locally, while, on average, four passed the rover daily, over 25% of which were significantly dusty ("dust devils"). More rarely, dust lifting by nonvortex wind gusts was produced by daytime convection cells advected over the crater by strong regional daytime upslope winds, which also control aeolian surface features. One such event covered 10 times more area than the largest dust devil, suggesting that dust devils and wind gusts could raise equal amounts of dust under nonstorm conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Germán M. Martínez
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, USRA, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Naomi Murdoch
- ISAE-SUPAERO, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Leslie Tamppari
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory–California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Genzer
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Hieta
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Pan Conrad
- Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - David Mimoun
- ISAE-SUPAERO, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | - Justin N. Maki
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory–California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - Roger C. Wiens
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Luis Mora
- Centro de Astrobiologia, INTA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariah M. Baker
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Don Banfield
- Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- NASA Ames, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Pla-Garcia
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO, USA
- Centro de Astrobiologia, INTA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Ben Clark
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Priyaben Patel
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory–California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - Raymond Francis
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory–California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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5
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Vasavada AR. Mission Overview and Scientific Contributions from the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover After Eight Years of Surface Operations. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2022; 218:14. [PMID: 35399614 PMCID: PMC8981195 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-022-00882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, with its Curiosity rover, has been exploring Gale crater (5.4° S, 137.8° E) since 2012 with the goal of assessing the potential of Mars to support life. The mission has compiled compelling evidence that the crater basin accumulated sediment transported by marginal rivers into lakes that likely persisted for millions of years approximately 3.6 Ga ago in the early Hesperian. Geochemical and mineralogical assessments indicate that environmental conditions within this timeframe would have been suitable for sustaining life, if it ever were present. Fluids simultaneously circulated in the subsurface and likely existed through the dry phases of lake bed exposure and aeolian deposition, conceivably creating a continuously habitable subsurface environment that persisted to less than 3 Ga in the early Amazonian. A diversity of organic molecules has been preserved, though degraded, with evidence for more complex precursors. Solid samples show highly variable isotopic abundances of sulfur, chlorine, and carbon. In situ studies of modern wind-driven sediment transport and multiple large and active aeolian deposits have led to advances in understanding bedform development and the initiation of saltation. Investigation of the modern atmosphere and environment has improved constraints on the timing and magnitude of atmospheric loss, revealed the presence of methane and the crater's influence on local meteorology, and provided measurements of high-energy radiation at Mars' surface in preparation for future crewed missions. Rover systems and science instruments remain capable of addressing all key scientific objectives. Emphases on advance planning, flexibility, operations support work, and team culture have allowed the mission team to maintain a high level of productivity in spite of declining rover power and funding. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11214-022-00882-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin R. Vasavada
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
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6
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Hughes MN, Arvidson RE, Dietrich WE, Lamb MP, Catalano JG, Grotzinger JP, Bryk AB. Canyon Wall and Floor Debris Deposits in Aeolis Mons, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2022; 127:e2021JE006848. [PMID: 35859923 PMCID: PMC9285757 DOI: 10.1029/2021je006848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aeolis Mons (informally, Mount Sharp) exhibits a number of canyons, including Gediz and Sakarya Valles. Poorly sorted debris deposits are evident on both canyon floors and connect with debris extending down the walls for canyon segments that cut through sulphate-bearing strata. On the floor of Gediz Vallis, debris overfills a central channel and merges with a massive debris ridge located at the canyon terminus. One wall-based debris ridge is evident. In comparison, the floor of Sakarya Vallis exhibits a complex array of debris deposits. Debris deposits on wall segments within Sakarya Vallis are mainly contained within chutes that extend downhill from scarps. Lateral debris ridges are also evident on chute margins. We interpret the debris deposits in the two canyons to be a consequence of one or more late-stage hydrogeomorphic events that increased the probability of landslides, assembled and channelized debris on the canyon floors, and moved materials down-canyon. The highly soluble nature of the sulphate-bearing rocks likely contributed to enhanced debris generation by concurrent aqueous weathering to produce blocky regolith for transport downslope by fluvial activity and landslides, including some landslides that became debris flows. Subsequent wind erosion in Gediz Vallis removed most of the debris deposits within that canyon and partially eroded the deposits within Sakarya Vallis. The enhanced wind erosion within Gediz Vallis was a consequence of the canyon's alignment with prevailing slope winds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. N. Hughes
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - R. E. Arvidson
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - W. E. Dietrich
- Department of Earth and Planetary ScienceUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - M. P. Lamb
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - J. G. Catalano
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - J. P. Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - A. B. Bryk
- Department of Earth and Planetary ScienceUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
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7
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Vakkada Ramachandran A, Zorzano MP, Martín-Torres J. Experimental Investigation of the Atmosphere-Regolith Water Cycle on Present-Day Mars. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:7421. [PMID: 34770727 PMCID: PMC8588207 DOI: 10.3390/s21217421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The water content of the upper layers of the surface of Mars is not yet quantified. Laboratory simulations are the only feasible way to investigate this in a controlled way on Earth, and then compare it with remote and in situ observations of spacecrafts on Mars. Describing the processes that may induce changes in the water content of the surface is critical to determine the present-day habitability of the Martian surface, to understand the atmospheric water cycle, and to estimate the efficiency of future water extraction procedures from the regolith for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). This paper illustrates the application of the SpaceQ facility to simulate the near-surface water cycle under Martian conditions. Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) observations at Gale crater show a non-equilibrium situation in the atmospheric H2O volume mixing ratio (VMR) at night-time, and there is a decrease in the atmospheric water content by up to 15 g/m2 within a few hours. This reduction suggests that the ground may act at night as a cold sink scavenging atmospheric water. Here, we use an experimental approach to investigate the thermodynamic and kinetics of water exchange between the atmosphere, a non-porous surface (LN2-chilled metal), various salts, Martian regolith simulant, and mixtures of salts and simulant within an environment which is close to saturation. We have conducted three experiments: the stability of pure liquid water around the vicinity of the triple point is studied in experiment 1, as well as observing the interchange of water between the atmosphere and the salts when the surface is saturated; in experiment 2, the salts were mixed with Mojave Martian Simulant (MMS) to observe changes in the texture of the regolith caused by the interaction with hydrates and liquid brines, and to quantify the potential of the Martian regolith to absorb and retain water; and experiment 3 investigates the evaporation of pure liquid water away from the triple point temperature when both the air and ground are at the same temperature and the relative humidity is near saturation. We show experimentally that frost can form spontaneously on a surface when saturation is reached and that, when the temperature is above 273.15 K (0 °C), this frost can transform into liquid water, which can persist for up to 3.5 to 4.5 h at Martian surface conditions. For comparison, we study the behavior of certain deliquescent salts that exist on the Martian surface, which can increase their mass between 32% and 85% by absorption of atmospheric water within a few hours. A mixture of these salts in a 10% concentration with simulant produces an aggregated granular structure with a water gain of approximately 18- to 50-wt%. Up to 53% of the atmospheric water was captured by the simulated ground, as pure liquid water, hydrate, or brine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Vakkada Ramachandran
- Group of Atmospheric Science, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - María-Paz Zorzano
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain;
- School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK;
| | - Javier Martín-Torres
- School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK;
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), 18100 Granada, Spain
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8
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Luo Y, Mischna MA, Lin JC, Fasoli B, Cai X, Yung YL. Mars Methane Sources in Northwestern Gale Crater Inferred From Back Trajectory Modeling. EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2021; 8:e2021EA001915. [PMID: 35860450 PMCID: PMC9285602 DOI: 10.1029/2021ea001915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During its first seven years of operation, the Sample Analysis at Mars Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS) on board the Curiosity rover has detected seven methane spikes above a low background abundance in Gale crater. The methane spikes are likely sourced by surface emission within or around Gale crater. Here, we use inverse Lagrangian modeling techniques to identify upstream emission regions on the Martian surface for these methane spikes at an unprecedented spatial resolution. Inside Gale crater, the northwestern crater floor casts the strongest influence on the detections. Outside Gale crater, the upstream regions common to all the methane spikes extend toward the north. The contrasting results from two consecutive TLS methane measurements performed on the same sol point to an active emission site to the west or the southwest of the Curiosity rover on the northwestern crater floor. The observed spike magnitude and frequency also favor emission sites on the northwestern crater floor, unless there are fast methane removal mechanisms at work, or either the methane spikes of TLS or the non-detections of ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter cannot be trusted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Luo
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - M. A. Mischna
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
| | - J. C. Lin
- Department of Atmospheric SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - B. Fasoli
- Department of Atmospheric SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - X. Cai
- Columbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Y. L. Yung
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCAUSA
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9
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Rodriguez-Manfredi JA, de la Torre Juárez M, Alonso A, Apéstigue V, Arruego I, Atienza T, Banfield D, Boland J, Carrera MA, Castañer L, Ceballos J, Chen-Chen H, Cobos A, Conrad PG, Cordoba E, del Río-Gaztelurrutia T, de Vicente-Retortillo A, Domínguez-Pumar M, Espejo S, Fairen AG, Fernández-Palma A, Ferrándiz R, Ferri F, Fischer E, García-Manchado A, García-Villadangos M, Genzer M, Giménez S, Gómez-Elvira J, Gómez F, Guzewich SD, Harri AM, Hernández CD, Hieta M, Hueso R, Jaakonaho I, Jiménez JJ, Jiménez V, Larman A, Leiter R, Lepinette A, Lemmon MT, López G, Madsen SN, Mäkinen T, Marín M, Martín-Soler J, Martínez G, Molina A, Mora-Sotomayor L, Moreno-Álvarez JF, Navarro S, Newman CE, Ortega C, Parrondo MC, Peinado V, Peña A, Pérez-Grande I, Pérez-Hoyos S, Pla-García J, Polkko J, Postigo M, Prieto-Ballesteros O, Rafkin SCR, Ramos M, Richardson MI, Romeral J, Romero C, Runyon KD, Saiz-Lopez A, Sánchez-Lavega A, Sard I, Schofield JT, Sebastian E, Smith MD, Sullivan RJ, Tamppari LK, Thompson AD, Toledo D, Torrero F, Torres J, Urquí R, Velasco T, Viúdez-Moreiras D, Zurita S. The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer, MEDA. A Suite of Environmental Sensors for the Mars 2020 Mission. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2021; 217:48. [PMID: 34776548 PMCID: PMC8550605 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-021-00816-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
NASA's Mars 2020 (M2020) rover mission includes a suite of sensors to monitor current environmental conditions near the surface of Mars and to constrain bulk aerosol properties from changes in atmospheric radiation at the surface. The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) consists of a set of meteorological sensors including wind sensor, a barometer, a relative humidity sensor, a set of 5 thermocouples to measure atmospheric temperature at ∼1.5 m and ∼0.5 m above the surface, a set of thermopiles to characterize the thermal IR brightness temperatures of the surface and the lower atmosphere. MEDA adds a radiation and dust sensor to monitor the optical atmospheric properties that can be used to infer bulk aerosol physical properties such as particle size distribution, non-sphericity, and concentration. The MEDA package and its scientific purpose are described in this document as well as how it responded to the calibration tests and how it helps prepare for the human exploration of Mars. A comparison is also presented to previous environmental monitoring payloads landed on Mars on the Viking, Pathfinder, Phoenix, MSL, and InSight spacecraft.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - V. Apéstigue
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - I. Arruego
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - T. Atienza
- Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D. Banfield
- Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA
| | - J. Boland
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | | | - L. Castañer
- Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Ceballos
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Sevilla (US-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - H. Chen-Chen
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - A. Cobos
- CRISA-Airbus, Tres Cantos, Spain
| | | | - E. Cordoba
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | | | | | | | - S. Espejo
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Sevilla (US-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - A. G. Fairen
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - R. Ferrándiz
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - F. Ferri
- Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E. Fischer
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | | | | | - M. Genzer
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S. Giménez
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Gómez-Elvira
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - F. Gómez
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - A.-M. Harri
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C. D. Hernández
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - M. Hieta
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R. Hueso
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - I. Jaakonaho
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J. J. Jiménez
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - V. Jiménez
- Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Larman
- Added-Value-Solutions, Elgoibar, Spain
| | - R. Leiter
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - A. Lepinette
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - G. López
- Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S. N. Madsen
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - T. Mäkinen
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M. Marín
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - G. Martínez
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX USA
| | - A. Molina
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - S. Navarro
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - C. Ortega
- Added-Value-Solutions, Elgoibar, Spain
| | - M. C. Parrondo
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - V. Peinado
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Peña
- CRISA-Airbus, Tres Cantos, Spain
| | | | | | | | - J. Polkko
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M. Postigo
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - M. Ramos
- Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | | | - J. Romeral
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - C. Romero
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - A. Saiz-Lopez
- Dept. of Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate, Institute of Physical Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - I. Sard
- Added-Value-Solutions, Elgoibar, Spain
| | - J. T. Schofield
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - E. Sebastian
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M. D. Smith
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD USA
| | - R. J. Sullivan
- Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA
| | - L. K. Tamppari
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - A. D. Thompson
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - D. Toledo
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - J. Torres
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Urquí
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - S. Zurita
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - The MEDA team
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
- CRISA-Airbus, Tres Cantos, Spain
- Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
- Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY USA
- Added-Value-Solutions, Elgoibar, Spain
- Instituto de Microelectrónica de Sevilla (US-CSIC), Seville, Spain
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
- Carnegie Institution, Washington, DC USA
- Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO USA
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX USA
- Aeolis Corporation, Sierra Madre, CA USA
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO USA
- Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- John Hopkins APL, Laurel, MD USA
- Dept. of Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate, Institute of Physical Chemistry Rocasolano, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD USA
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10
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Newman CE, de la Torre Juárez M, Pla-García J, Wilson RJ, Lewis SR, Neary L, Kahre MA, Forget F, Spiga A, Richardson MI, Daerden F, Bertrand T, Viúdez-Moreiras D, Sullivan R, Sánchez-Lavega A, Chide B, Rodriguez-Manfredi JA. Multi-model Meteorological and Aeolian Predictions for Mars 2020 and the Jezero Crater Region. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2021; 217:20. [PMID: 33583960 PMCID: PMC7868679 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-020-00788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nine simulations are used to predict the meteorology and aeolian activity of the Mars 2020 landing site region. Predicted seasonal variations of pressure and surface and atmospheric temperature generally agree. Minimum and maximum pressure is predicted at Ls ∼ 145 ∘ and 250 ∘ , respectively. Maximum and minimum surface and atmospheric temperature are predicted at Ls ∼ 180 ∘ and 270 ∘ , respectively; i.e., are warmest at northern fall equinox not summer solstice. Daily pressure cycles vary more between simulations, possibly due to differences in atmospheric dust distributions. Jezero crater sits inside and close to the NW rim of the huge Isidis basin, whose daytime upslope (∼east-southeasterly) and nighttime downslope (∼northwesterly) winds are predicted to dominate except around summer solstice, when the global circulation produces more southerly wind directions. Wind predictions vary hugely, with annual maximum speeds varying from 11 to 19 ms - 1 and daily mean wind speeds peaking in the first half of summer for most simulations but in the second half of the year for two. Most simulations predict net annual sand transport toward the WNW, which is generally consistent with aeolian observations, and peak sand fluxes in the first half of summer, with the weakest fluxes around winter solstice due to opposition between the global circulation and daytime upslope winds. However, one simulation predicts transport toward the NW, while another predicts fluxes peaking later and transport toward the WSW. Vortex activity is predicted to peak in summer and dip around winter solstice, and to be greater than at InSight and much greater than in Gale crater. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11214-020-00788-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. de la Torre Juárez
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91001 USA
| | - J. Pla-García
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), 28850 Madrid, Spain
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO 80301 USA
| | | | | | - L. Neary
- Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - F. Forget
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique/Institut Pierre Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL), Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS), 75005 Paris, France
| | - A. Spiga
- Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique/Institut Pierre Simon Laplace (LMD/IPSL), Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), École Polytechnique, École Normale Supérieure (ENS), 75005 Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - F. Daerden
- Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - T. Bertrand
- Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA USA
- LESIA, Observatoire de Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 92195 Meudon, France
| | | | - R. Sullivan
- Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | | | - B. Chide
- Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE), Toulouse, France
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11
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Andreotti B, Claudin P, Iversen JJ, Merrison JP, Rasmussen KR. A lower-than-expected saltation threshold at Martian pressure and below. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2012386118. [PMID: 33509927 PMCID: PMC7865126 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012386118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeolian sediment transport is observed to occur on Mars as well as other extraterrestrial environments, generating ripples and dunes as on Earth. The search for terrestrial analogs of planetary bedforms, as well as environmental simulation experiments able to reproduce their formation in planetary conditions, are powerful ways to question our understanding of geomorphological processes toward unusual environmental conditions. Here, we perform sediment transport laboratory experiments in a closed-circuit wind tunnel placed in a vacuum chamber and operated at extremely low pressures to show that Martian conditions belong to a previously unexplored saltation regime. The threshold wind speed required to initiate saltation is only quantitatively predicted by state-of-the art models up to a density ratio between grain and air of [Formula: see text] but unexpectedly falls to much lower values for higher density ratios. In contrast, impact ripples, whose emergence is continuously observed on the granular bed over the whole pressure range investigated, display a characteristic wavelength and propagation velocity essentially independent of pressure. A comparison of these findings with existing models suggests that sediment transport at low Reynolds number but high grain-to-fluid density ratio may be dominated by collective effects associated with grain inertia in the granular collisional layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Andreotti
- Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, UMR 8023, CNRS, Université de Paris, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Philippe Claudin
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, UMR 7636, CNRS, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jens Jacob Iversen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jonathan P Merrison
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Keld R Rasmussen
- Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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12
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Pla-García J, Rafkin SCR, Martinez GM, Vicente-Retortillo Á, Newman CE, Savijärvi H, de la Torre M, Rodriguez-Manfredi JA, Gómez F, Molina A, Viúdez-Moreiras D, Harri AM. Meteorological Predictions for Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Site at Jezero Crater. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2020; 216:148. [PMID: 33536691 PMCID: PMC7116669 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-020-00763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (MRAMS) and a nested simulation of the Mars Weather Research and Forecasting model (MarsWRF) are used to predict the local meteorological conditions at the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landing site inside Jezero crater (Mars). These predictions are complemented with the COmplutense and MIchigan MArs Radiative Transfer model (COMIMART) and with the local Single Column Model (SCM) to further refine predictions of radiative forcing and the water cycle respectively. The primary objective is to facilitate interpretation of the meteorological measurements to be obtained by the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) aboard the rover, but also to provide predictions of the meteorological phenomena and seasonal changes that might impact operations, from both a risk perspective and from the perspective of being better prepared to make certain measurements. A full diurnal cycle at four different seasons (Ls 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°) is investigated. Air and ground temperatures, pressure, wind speed and direction, surface radiative fluxes and moisture data are modeled. The good agreement between observations and modeling in prior works [Pla-Garcia et al. in Icarus 280:103-113, 2016; Newman et al. in Icarus 291:203-231, 2017; Vicente-Retortillo et al. in Sci. Rep. 8(1):1-8, 2018; Savijarvi et al. in Icarus, 2020] provides confidence in utilizing these models results to predict the meteorological environment at Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landing site inside Jezero crater. The data returned by MEDA will determine the extent to which this confidence was justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Pla-García
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - G M Martinez
- Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Á Vicente-Retortillo
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - H Savijärvi
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M de la Torre
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/CalTech, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - F Gómez
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Molina
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Chevrier VF, Rivera-Valentín EG, Soto A, Altheide TS. Global Temporal and Geographic Stability of Brines on Present-day Mars. THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL 2020; 1:64. [PMID: 34647027 PMCID: PMC8507180 DOI: 10.3847/psj/abbc14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We combine experimentally verified constraints on brine thermodynamics along with a global circulation model to develop a new extensive framework of brine stability on the surface and subsurface of Mars. Our work considers all major phase changes (i.e., evaporation, freezing, and boiling) and is consistent, regardless of brine composition, so it is applicable to any brine relevant to Mars. We find that equatorial regions typically have temperatures too high for stable brines, while high latitudes are susceptible to permanent freezing. In the subsurface, this trend is reversed, and equatorial regions are more favorable to brine stability, but only for the lowest water activities (and lowest eutectic temperatures). At locations where brines may be stable, we find that their lifetimes can be characterized by two regimes. Above a water activity of ~0.6, brine duration is dominated by evaporation, lasting at most a few minutes per sol. Below a water activity of 0.6, brine duration is bound by freezing or boiling; such brines are potentially stable for up to several consecutive hours per sol. Our work suggests that brines should not be expected near or on the Martian surface, except for low eutectic water activity salts such as calcium or magnesium perchlorate or chlorate, and their (meta)stability on the surface would require contact with atmospheric water vapor or local ice deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent F Chevrier
- Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | | | | | - Travis S Altheide
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Eastern Kentucky University, 219 Dizney Building, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475, USA
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14
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Domínguez-Pumar M, Kowalski L, Jiménez V, Rodríguez I, Soria M, Bermejo S, Pons-Nin J. Analyzing the Performance of a Miniature 3D Wind Sensor for Mars. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20205912. [PMID: 33092016 PMCID: PMC7589199 DOI: 10.3390/s20205912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper analyzes the behavior of a miniature 3D wind sensor designed for Mars atmosphere. The sensor is a spherical structure of 10 mm diameter divided in four sectors. By setting all the sectors to constant temperature, above that of the air, the 3D wind velocity vector can be measured. Two sets of experiments have been performed. First, an experimental campaign made under typical Mars conditions at the Aarhus Wind Tunnel Simulator is presented. The results demonstrate that both wind speed and angle can be efficiently measured, using a simple inverse algorithm. The effect of sudden wind changes is also analyzed and fast response times in the range of 0.7 s are obtained. The second set of experiments is focused on analyzing the performance of the sensor under extreme Martian wind conditions, reaching and going beyond the Dust Devil scale. To this purpose, both high-fidelity numerical simulations of fluid dynamics and heat transfer and experiments with the sensor have been performed. The results of the experiments, made for winds in the Reynolds number 1000–2000 range, which represent 65–130 m/s of wind speed under typical Mars conditions, further confirm the simulation predictions and show that it will be possible to successfully measure wind speed and direction even under these extreme regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Domínguez-Pumar
- Micro and Nano Technologies Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (L.K.); (V.J.); (S.B.); (J.P.-N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-401-5679
| | - Lukasz Kowalski
- Micro and Nano Technologies Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (L.K.); (V.J.); (S.B.); (J.P.-N.)
| | - Vicente Jiménez
- Micro and Nano Technologies Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (L.K.); (V.J.); (S.B.); (J.P.-N.)
| | - Ivette Rodríguez
- Turbulence and Aerodynamics in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Research Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08222 Terrassa, Spain; (I.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Manel Soria
- Turbulence and Aerodynamics in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Research Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08222 Terrassa, Spain; (I.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Sandra Bermejo
- Micro and Nano Technologies Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (L.K.); (V.J.); (S.B.); (J.P.-N.)
| | - Joan Pons-Nin
- Micro and Nano Technologies Group, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (L.K.); (V.J.); (S.B.); (J.P.-N.)
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15
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Abstract
Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL) on Mars have been enigmatic since their discovery; their behavior resembles a seeping liquid but sources of water remain puzzling. This work demonstrates that the properties of RSL are consistent with observed behaviors of Martian and terrestrial aeolian processes. Specifically, RSL are well-explained as flows of sand that remove a thin coating of dust. Observed RSL properties are supportive of or consistent with this model, which requires no liquid water or other exotic processes, but rather indicates seasonal aeolian behavior. These settings and behaviors resemble features observed by rovers and also explain the occurrence of many slope lineae on Mars that do not meet the strict definition of RSL. This indicates that RSL can be explained simply as aeolian features. Other processes may add complexities just as they could modify the behavior of any sand dune.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Dundas
- U.S. Geological Survey, Astrogeology Science Center, 2255 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
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16
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Breuer H, Berényi A, Mari L, Nagy B, Szalai Z, Tordai Á, Weidinger T. Analog Site Experiment in the High Andes-Atacama Region: Surface Energy Budget Components on Ojos del Salado from Field Measurements and WRF Simulations. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:684-700. [PMID: 32048870 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Remote sensing data are abundant, whereas surface in situ verification of atmospheric conditions is rare on Mars. Earth-based analogs could help gain an understanding of soil and atmospheric processes on Mars and refine existing models. In this work, we evaluate the applicability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model against measurements from the Mars analog High Andes-Atacama Desert. Validation focuses on the surface conditions and on the surface energy budget. Measurements show that the average daily net radiation, global radiation, and latent heat flux amount to 131, 273, and about 10 W/m2, respectively, indicating extremely dry atmospheric conditions. Dynamically, the effect of topography is also well simulated. One of the main modeling problems is the inaccurate initial soil and surface conditions in the area. Correction of soil moisture based on in situ and satellite soil moisture measurements, as well as the removal of snow coverage, reduced the surface skin temperature root mean square error from 9.8°C to 4.3°C. The model, however, has shortcomings when soil condition modeling is considered. Sensible heat flux estimations are on par with the measurements (daily maxima around 500 W/m2), but surface soil heat flux is greatly overestimated (by 150-500 W/m2). Soil temperature and soil moisture diurnal variations are inconsistent with the measurements, partially due to the lack of water vapor representation in soil calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajnalka Breuer
- Department of Meteorology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Berényi
- Department of Meteorology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Mari
- Department of Physical Geography, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Nagy
- Department of Physical Geography, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szalai
- Department of Environmental and Landscape Geography, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Geographical Research Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágoston Tordai
- Department of Meteorology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Weidinger
- Department of Meteorology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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17
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Moore CA, Moores JE, Newman CE, Lemmon MT, Guzewich SD, Battalio M. Vertical and Horizontal Heterogeneity of Atmospheric Dust Loading in Northern Gale Crater, Mars. ICARUS 2019; 329:197-206. [PMID: 31359883 PMCID: PMC6662233 DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2019.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper updates the record of atmospheric dust loading within northern Gale Crater, Mars, by providing line-of-sight extinction (LOS-Ext) measurements of the intervening dust between the rover and the crater rim. These measurements are derived from images taken with the Navigation Cameras (Navcam) onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, Curiosity. The observations span 2.44 Mars years, from Mars Year (MY) 31 at a solar longitude (L S ) of 208° to t L S = 7° of MY34, sols 100 - 1701 of the MSL surface mission. This work examines the dataset for seasonal trends of the LOS-Ext in addition to horizontal variations and the vertical structure of LOS-Ext. The LOS-Ext has a repetitive pattern with a single peak in the latter half of the Mars year. The atmosphere in the crater is well mixed horizontally but not vertically as larger LOS-Ext is seen nearer the crater floor than at higher altitudes within the crater. The results allow a discussion on whether or not Gale Crater is a sink for atmospheric dust or a source of atmospheric dust in the current era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey A Moore
- York University, Centre for Research in Earth and Space Sciences (CRESS), 4700 Keele Street, Toronto ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - John E Moores
- York University, Centre for Research in Earth and Space Sciences (CRESS), 4700 Keele Street, Toronto ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | - Mark T Lemmon
- Texas A&M University, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, MS 3150 College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Scott D Guzewich
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, United States
| | - Michael Battalio
- Texas A&M University, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, MS 3150 College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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18
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Viúdez-Moreiras D, Newman CE, de la Torre M, Martínez G, Guzewich S, Lemmon M, Pla-García J, Smith MD, Harri AM, Genzer M, Vicente-Retortillo A, Lepinette A, Rodriguez-Manfredi JA, Vasavada AR, Gómez-Elvira J. Effects of the MY34/2018 Global Dust Storm as Measured by MSL REMS in Gale Crater. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2019; 124:1899-1912. [PMID: 31534881 PMCID: PMC6750032 DOI: 10.1029/2019je005985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) instrument that is onboard NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover. REMS has been measuring surface pressure, air and ground brightness temperature, relative humidity, and UV irradiance since MSL's landing in 2012. In Mars Year (MY) 34 (2018) a global dust storm reached Gale Crater at Ls ~190°. REMS offers a unique opportunity to better understand the impact of a global dust storm on local environmental conditions, which complements previous observations by the Viking landers and Mars Exploration Rovers. All atmospheric variables measured by REMS are strongly affected albeit at different times. During the onset phase, the daily maximum UV radiation decreased by 90% between sols 2075 (opacity ~1) and 2085 (opacity ~8.5). The diurnal range in ground and air temperatures decreased by 35K and 56K, respectively, with also a diurnal-average decrease of ~2K and 4K respectively. The maximum relative humidity, which occurs right before sunrise, decreased to below 5%, compared with pre-storm values of up to 29%, due to the warmer air temperatures at night while the inferred water vapor abundance suggests an increase during the storm. Between sols 2085 and 2130, the typical nighttime stable inversion layer was absent near the surface as ground temperatures remained warmer than near-surface air temperatures. Finally, the frequency-domain behavior of the diurnal pressure cycle shows a strong increase in the strength of the semidiurnal and terdiurnal modes peaking after the local opacity maximum, also suggesting differences in the dust abundance inside and outside Gale.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Viúdez-Moreiras
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) & Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - C E Newman
- Aeolis Research, 600 N. Rosemead Ave., Suite 205, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
| | - M de la Torre
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - G Martínez
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - S Guzewich
- NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - M Lemmon
- Space Science Institute, College Station, TX 77843 USA
| | - J Pla-García
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) & Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - M D Smith
- NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - A-M Harri
- Earth Observation, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palménin aukio, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Genzer
- Earth Observation, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palménin aukio, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - A Lepinette
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) & Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - J A Rodriguez-Manfredi
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) & Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - A R Vasavada
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | - J Gómez-Elvira
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) & Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Seasonal Deposition and Lifting of Dust on Mars as Observed by the Curiosity Rover. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17576. [PMID: 30514860 PMCID: PMC6279765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In situ measurements by the Curiosity rover provide a unique opportunity for studying the effects of dust on assets placed at the surface of Mars. Here we use in situ measurements of solar UV radiation to quantify the seasonal and interannual variability of dust accumulation on the sensor on the rover deck. We show that the amount of dust accumulated on the sensor follows a seasonal cycle, with net dust removal during the perihelion season until Ls ~ 300°, and net dust deposition until the end of the aphelion season (Ls ~ 300°-180°). We use independent in situ measurements of atmospheric opacity and pressure perturbations in combination with numerical modeling, showing that daytime convective vortices and nighttime winds are likely responsible for the seasonal dust cleaning, with the role of nighttime wind being more important in Martian Year (MY) 32 than in MY 33 and that of daytime convective vortices being more important in MY 33 than in MY 32. The fact that the UV sensor is cleaner in MY 33 than in MY 32 indicates that natural cleaning events make solar energy an excellent candidate to power extended (multiannual) Mars missions at similar latitudes as the Curiosity rover.
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20
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Webster CR, Mahaffy PR, Atreya SK, Moores JE, Flesch GJ, Malespin C, McKay CP, Martinez G, Smith CL, Martin-Torres J, Gomez-Elvira J, Zorzano MP, Wong MH, Trainer MG, Steele A, Archer D, Sutter B, Coll PJ, Freissinet C, Meslin PY, Gough RV, House CH, Pavlov A, Eigenbrode JL, Glavin DP, Pearson JC, Keymeulen D, Christensen LE, Schwenzer SP, Navarro-Gonzalez R, Pla-García J, Rafkin SCR, Vicente-Retortillo Á, Kahanpää H, Viudez-Moreiras D, Smith MD, Harri AM, Genzer M, Hassler DM, Lemmon M, Crisp J, Sander SP, Zurek RW, Vasavada AR. Background levels of methane in Mars’ atmosphere show strong seasonal variations. Science 2018; 360:1093-1096. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aaq0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Variable levels of methane in the martian atmosphere have eluded explanation partly because the measurements are not repeatable in time or location. We report in situ measurements at Gale crater made over a 5-year period by the Tunable Laser Spectrometer on the Curiosity rover. The background levels of methane have a mean value 0.41 ± 0.16 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) (95% confidence interval) and exhibit a strong, repeatable seasonal variation (0.24 to 0.65 ppbv). This variation is greater than that predicted from either ultraviolet degradation of impact-delivered organics on the surface or from the annual surface pressure cycle. The large seasonal variation in the background and occurrences of higher temporary spikes (~7 ppbv) are consistent with small localized sources of methane released from martian surface or subsurface reservoirs.
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Guzewich SD, Newman CE, Smith MD, Moores JE, Smith CL, Moore C, Richardson MI, Kass D, Kleinböhl A, Mischna M, Martín-Torres FJ, Zorzano-Mier MP, Battalio M. The Vertical Dust Profile over Gale Crater, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2779-2792. [PMID: 32523861 PMCID: PMC7285022 DOI: 10.1002/2017je005420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We create a vertically coarse, but complete, vertical profile of dust mixing ratio from the surface to the upper atmosphere over Gale Crater, Mars, using the frequent joint atmospheric observations of the orbiting Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) and the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover. Using these data and an estimate of planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth from the MarsWRF general circulation model, we divide the vertical column into three regions. The first region is the Gale Crater PBL, the second is the MCS-sampled region, and the third is between these first two. We solve for a well-mixed dust mixing ratio within this third (middle) layer of atmosphere to complete the profile. We identify a unique seasonal cycle of dust within each atmospheric layer. Within the Gale PBL, dust mixing ratio maximizes near southern hemisphere summer solstice (Ls = 270°) and minimizes near winter solstice (Ls = 90-100°) with a smooth sinusoidal transition between them. However, the layer above Gale Crater and below the MCS-sampled region more closely follows the global opacity cycle and has a maximum in opacity near Ls = 240° and exhibits a local minimum (associated with the "solsticial pause" in dust storm activity) near Ls = 270°. With knowledge of the complete vertical dust profile, we can also assess the frequency of high-altitude dust layers over Gale. We determine that 36% of MCS profiles near Gale Crater contain an "absolute" high-altitude dust layer wherein the dust mixing ratio is the maximum in the entire vertical column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Guzewich
- NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, 8800 Greenbelt Road, Code 693, Greenbelt, MD 20771
| | | | - M D Smith
- NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, 8800 Greenbelt Road, Code 693, Greenbelt, MD 20771
| | - J E Moores
- York University, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 1P3
| | - C L Smith
- York University, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 1P3
| | - C Moore
- York University, Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 1P3
| | | | - D Kass
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
| | - A Kleinböhl
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
| | - M Mischna
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
| | - F J Martín-Torres
- Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Kiruna, Sweden; Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR), 18100 Granada, Spain
| | - M-P Zorzano-Mier
- Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Kiruna, Sweden; Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Battalio
- Texas A&M University, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College Station, TX 77843
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22
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Ewing RC, Lapotre MGA, Lewis KW, Day M, Stein N, Rubin DM, Sullivan R, Banham S, Lamb MP, Bridges NT, Gupta S, Fischer WW. Sedimentary processes of the Bagnold Dunes: Implications for the eolian rock record of Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2544-2573. [PMID: 29497590 PMCID: PMC5815379 DOI: 10.1002/2017je005324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity visited two active wind-blown sand dunes within Gale crater, Mars, which provided the first ground-based opportunity to compare Martian and terrestrial eolian dune sedimentary processes and study a modern analog for the Martian eolian rock record. Orbital and rover images of these dunes reveal terrestrial-like and uniquely Martian processes. The presence of grainfall, grainflow, and impact ripples resembled terrestrial dunes. Impact ripples were present on all dune slopes and had a size and shape similar to their terrestrial counterpart. Grainfall and grainflow occurred on dune and large-ripple lee slopes. Lee slopes were ~29° where grainflows were present and ~33° where grainfall was present. These slopes are interpreted as the dynamic and static angles of repose, respectively. Grain size measured on an undisturbed impact ripple ranges between 50 μm and 350 μm with an intermediate axis mean size of 113 μm (median: 103 μm). Dissimilar to dune eolian processes on Earth, large, meter-scale ripples were present on all dune slopes. Large ripples had nearly symmetric to strongly asymmetric topographic profiles and heights ranging between 12 cm and 28 cm. The composite observations of the modern sedimentary processes highlight that the Martian eolian rock record is likely different from its terrestrial counterpart because of the large ripples, which are expected to engender a unique scale of cross stratification. More broadly, however, in the Bagnold Dune Field as on Earth, dune-field pattern dynamics and basin-scale boundary conditions will dictate the style and distribution of sedimentary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. C. Ewing
- Department of Geology and GeophysicsTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - M. G. A. Lapotre
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - K. W. Lewis
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - M. Day
- Jackson School of Geosciences, Department of Geological SciencesUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - N. Stein
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - D. M. Rubin
- Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCaliforniaUSA
| | - R. Sullivan
- Department of AstronomyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - S. Banham
- Department of Earth Science and EngineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - M. P. Lamb
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - N. T. Bridges
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics LaboratoryLaurelMarylandUSA
| | - S. Gupta
- Department of Earth Science and EngineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - W. W. Fischer
- Division of Geological and Planetary SciencesCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
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23
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Ehlmann BL, Edgett KS, Sutter B, Achilles CN, Litvak ML, Lapotre MGA, Sullivan R, Fraeman AA, Arvidson RE, Blake DF, Bridges NT, Conrad PG, Cousin A, Downs RT, Gabriel TSJ, Gellert R, Hamilton VE, Hardgrove C, Johnson JR, Kuhn S, Mahaffy PR, Maurice S, McHenry M, Meslin PY, Ming DW, Minitti ME, Morookian JM, Morris RV, O'Connell-Cooper CD, Pinet PC, Rowland SK, Schröder S, Siebach KL, Stein NT, Thompson LM, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Wellington DF, Wiens RC, Yen AS. Chemistry, mineralogy, and grain properties at Namib and High dunes, Bagnold dune field, Gale crater, Mars: A synthesis of Curiosity rover observations. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2510-2543. [PMID: 29497589 DOI: 10.1002/2016je005225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover performed coordinated measurements to examine the textures and compositions of aeolian sands in the active Bagnold dune field. The Bagnold sands are rounded to subrounded, very fine to medium sized (~45-500 μm) with ≥6 distinct grain colors. In contrast to sands examined by Curiosity in a dust-covered, inactive bedform called Rocknest and soils at other landing sites, Bagnold sands are darker, less red, better sorted, have fewer silt-sized or smaller grains, and show no evidence for cohesion. Nevertheless, Bagnold mineralogy and Rocknest mineralogy are similar with plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxenes in similar proportions comprising >90% of crystalline phases, along with a substantial amorphous component (35% ± 15%). Yet Bagnold and Rocknest bulk chemistry differ. Bagnold sands are Si enriched relative to other soils at Gale crater, and H2O, S, and Cl are lower relative to all previously measured Martian soils and most Gale crater rocks. Mg, Ni, Fe, and Mn are enriched in the coarse-sieved fraction of Bagnold sands, corroborated by visible/near-infrared spectra that suggest enrichment of olivine. Collectively, patterns in major element chemistry and volatile release data indicate two distinctive volatile reservoirs in Martian soils: (1) amorphous components in the sand-sized fraction (represented by Bagnold) that are Si-enriched, hydroxylated alteration products and/or H2O- or OH-bearing impact or volcanic glasses and (2) amorphous components in the fine fraction (<40 μm; represented by Rocknest and other bright soils) that are Fe, S, and Cl enriched with low Si and adsorbed and structural H2O.
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24
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Ehlmann BL, Edgett KS, Sutter B, Achilles CN, Litvak ML, Lapotre MGA, Sullivan R, Fraeman AA, Arvidson RE, Blake DF, Bridges NT, Conrad PG, Cousin A, Downs RT, Gabriel TSJ, Gellert R, Hamilton VE, Hardgrove C, Johnson JR, Kuhn S, Mahaffy PR, Maurice S, McHenry M, Meslin P, Ming DW, Minitti ME, Morookian JM, Morris RV, O'Connell‐Cooper CD, Pinet PC, Rowland SK, Schröder S, Siebach KL, Stein NT, Thompson LM, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Wellington DF, Wiens RC, Yen AS. Chemistry, mineralogy, and grain properties at Namib and High dunes, Bagnold dune field, Gale crater, Mars: A synthesis of Curiosity rover observations. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2510-2543. [PMID: 29497589 PMCID: PMC5815393 DOI: 10.1002/2017je005267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover performed coordinated measurements to examine the textures and compositions of aeolian sands in the active Bagnold dune field. The Bagnold sands are rounded to subrounded, very fine to medium sized (~45-500 μm) with ≥6 distinct grain colors. In contrast to sands examined by Curiosity in a dust-covered, inactive bedform called Rocknest and soils at other landing sites, Bagnold sands are darker, less red, better sorted, have fewer silt-sized or smaller grains, and show no evidence for cohesion. Nevertheless, Bagnold mineralogy and Rocknest mineralogy are similar with plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxenes in similar proportions comprising >90% of crystalline phases, along with a substantial amorphous component (35% ± 15%). Yet Bagnold and Rocknest bulk chemistry differ. Bagnold sands are Si enriched relative to other soils at Gale crater, and H2O, S, and Cl are lower relative to all previously measured Martian soils and most Gale crater rocks. Mg, Ni, Fe, and Mn are enriched in the coarse-sieved fraction of Bagnold sands, corroborated by visible/near-infrared spectra that suggest enrichment of olivine. Collectively, patterns in major element chemistry and volatile release data indicate two distinctive volatile reservoirs in Martian soils: (1) amorphous components in the sand-sized fraction (represented by Bagnold) that are Si-enriched, hydroxylated alteration products and/or H2O- or OH-bearing impact or volcanic glasses and (2) amorphous components in the fine fraction (<40 μm; represented by Rocknest and other bright soils) that are Fe, S, and Cl enriched with low Si and adsorbed and structural H2O.
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25
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Chojnacki M, Fenton LK. The Geologic Exploration of the Bagnold Dune Field at Gale Crater by the Curiosity Rover. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2017; 122:2216-2222. [PMID: 29564198 PMCID: PMC5857957 DOI: 10.1002/2017je005455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity engaged in a monthlong campaign investigating the Bagnold dune field in Gale crater. What represents the first in situ investigation of a dune field on another planet has resulted in a number of discoveries. Collectively, the Curiosity rover team has compiled the most comprehensive survey of any extraterrestrial aeolian system visited to date with results that yield important insights into a number of processes, including sediment transport, bed form morphology and structure, chemical and physical composition of aeolian sand, and wind regime characteristics. These findings and more are provided in detail by the JGR-Planets Special Issue Curiosity's Bagnold Dunes Campaign, Phase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Chojnacki
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lori K Fenton
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute, Mountain View, CA, USA
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