Ripple Pattern on Martian surface

However, the ripples seen in the image appear to be emanating from a structure on the left side, indicating that it may not be solely caused by wind. The flat areas of the old crater also have similar ripples, suggesting that water may not have been the cause. The wind patterns also seem to support the idea of wind being the main factor in the formation of these ripples.
  • #1
1,101
615
TL;DR Summary
Ripple pattern noted during parachute descent
See graphic below. Are these ripples just wind-formed sand dunes or the remnant of an ancient (possibly catastrophic proportion) flood event? The ripples appear to emanate from a structure to the left if you look earlier in the descent video.

More martian ripples.png
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #2
neilparker62 said:
Are these ripples just wind-formed sand dunes or the remnant of an ancient (possibly catastrophic proportion) flood event?
Water runs downhill and cuts deep valleys. The ripples are the same on the flat areas as in the old crater. That suggests it was not water that caused it.

The wind blows both up hill and down, across any flat surface. The dunes in the top left are trailing their ends due to wind being from top right to bottom left. Notice the area free of dunes in the old crater, it is sheltered by the crater wall. The wind again appears to have blown from the top right to the bottom left.
 
  • #3
neilparker62 said:
Summary:: Ripple pattern noted during parachute descent

Are these ripples just wind-formed sand dunes or the remnant of an ancient (possibly catastrophic proportion) flood event?
Wind blown sand dunes, you will find them all over the Martian surface
 

1. What causes the ripple pattern on the Martian surface?

The ripple pattern on the Martian surface is caused by the movement of wind and sand particles. The wind blows the sand particles, causing them to collide and form ripples in the sand. This process is similar to how ripples form on a beach or desert on Earth.

2. How big are the ripples on the Martian surface?

The ripples on the Martian surface can vary in size, but they are typically between 1-10 meters in wavelength and a few centimeters in height. However, larger ripples up to 20 meters in wavelength have also been observed.

3. Do the ripple patterns change over time on Mars?

Yes, the ripple patterns on Mars can change over time due to the constant movement of wind and sand particles. This process is known as "saltation" and can cause the ripples to shift, merge, or even disappear and reappear in different locations.

4. Are there different types of ripple patterns on Mars?

Yes, there are different types of ripple patterns on Mars, including transverse ripples, longitudinal ripples, and complex ripples. These different types of ripples form depending on the direction and strength of the wind, as well as the composition and size of the sand particles.

5. How do scientists study the ripple patterns on Mars?

Scientists study the ripple patterns on Mars using satellite images, rover images, and data collected from landers. They also use computer models and simulations to better understand the formation and evolution of the ripples. In some cases, scientists have also conducted experiments in simulated Martian environments to study the process of saltation and ripple formation.

Similar threads

  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
806
  • Earth Sciences
3
Replies
101
Views
30K
  • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
3
Views
924
Replies
46
Views
2K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
10
Views
8K
  • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
48
Views
8K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top