loading page

Orbit-Spin Coupling Torques and Martian Dust Storm Activity in MY34 and MY 35
  • James Shirley,
  • David Kass,
  • Armin Kleinbӧhl
James Shirley
Caltech-JPL

Corresponding Author:jrocksci@att.net

Author Profile
David Kass
Caltech-JPL
Author Profile
Armin Kleinbӧhl
Caltech-JPL
Author Profile

Abstract

One global-scale dust storm and two larger-than-average regional-scale dust storms have been recorded by spacecraft observations within the dust seasons of the past two Mars years. Each of these storms began near times when the orbit-spin coupling torques on Mars were changing most rapidly. While a clear association between Martian planet-encircling dust events and orbital torque episodes has been established (JGR-Planets 125, e2019JE006077), possible relationships between orbital/dynamical variability and regional-scale storm occurrence have not previously been investigated. In this study we compare the initiation periods and early development of the MY 34 “C” storm and the MY 35 “A” storm with prior findings obtained for the planet-encircling dust event of MY 34. We employ observations by MRO’s Mars Climate Sounder to compare dust loading, atmospheric temperatures, dynamical heating indices, and dust layer peak altitudes, to illuminate the similarities and differences between these events, in juxtaposition with a discussion of the concurrent variability of the planetary orbital angular momentum and the resulting torque on Mars.