Constraining the mechanisms of aeolian bedform formation on Mars through
a global morphometric survey
Abstract
Aeolian processes on Mars form a distinct class of meter-scale ripples,
whose mechanisms of formation are debated. We present a global
morphometric survey of bedforms on Mars, adding relevant observational
constraints to the ongoing debate. We show that the bedforms located in
the Tharsis region form a distinct group, not akin to the large
dark-toned ripples which cover dune fields elsewhere on the planet. The
relation between wavelength and atmospheric density derived from the new
data is consistent with the predictions of a wind-drag mechanism,
favoring the model that uses a saltation saturation length. Regardless
of the mechanism that limits the size of bedforms, these results confirm
the existence of a robust relationship between the wavelength of large
ripples and atmospheric density (ripples spacings increases with
decreasing atmospheric density). This provides further support to the
interpretation of paleoatmospheric conditions on Mars through the
analysis of its aeolian sedimentary record.