Active Mars: A Dynamic World
C. M. Dundas, P. Becerra, Shane Byrne, M. Chojnacki, I. J. Daubar, S. Diniega, C. J. Hansen, K. E. Herkenhoff, M. E. Landis, A. S. McEwen, Ganna Portyankina, Adomas Valantinas
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 CO 2 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.
Topics & Concepts
Mars Exploration ProgramAmazonianAeolian processesAstrobiologyFrost (temperature)Earth scienceGeologyClimate changeLatitudeImpact craterEnvironmental scienceAtmospheric sciencesGeomorphologyOceanographyEcologyPhysicsAmazon rainforestGeodesyBiologyPlanetary Science and ExplorationAstro and Planetary ScienceGeology and Paleoclimatology Research