Active Mars: A Dynamic World. Issue 8 (29th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dundas, Colin M.; Becerra, Patricio; Byrne, Shane; Chojnacki, Matthew; Daubar, Ingrid J.; Diniega, Serina; Hansen, Candice J.; Herkenhoff, Kenneth E.; Landis, Margaret E.; McEwen, Alfred S.; Portyankina, Ganna; Valantinas, Adomas
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 126:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-07-29
• Subjects: Mars -- surface changes -- seasonal processes -- impact cratering -- aeolian processes; Planets -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 559.9
• DOI: 10.1029/2021JE006876
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9097

Abstract

Abstract: Mars exhibits diverse surface changes at all latitudes and all seasons. Active processes include impact cratering, aeolian sand and dust transport, a variety of slope processes, changes in polar ices, and diverse effects of seasonal CO2 frost. The extent of surface change has been surprising and indicates that the present climate is capable of reshaping the surface. Activity has important implications for the Amazonian history of Mars: understanding processes is a necessary step before we can understand their implications and variations over time. Plain Language Summary: Many surface processes are active across the surface of Mars, producing changes that can be observed from orbit and by landed missions. The observed changes include new impact craters, sand and dust transported by the wind, a variety of flows on slopes, and many changes to perennial ice deposits. Many changes are driven by seasonal CO2 frost. These changes indicate that surface evolution on Mars is ongoing and not confined to past climate conditions. Key Points: Many different surface processes are actively shaping the geomorphology of Mars today Current surface changes must be understood in order to correctly interpret changing environments over time Several active Martian processes were not predicted and lack a terrestrial analog