Boundary Layer Meteorology in Elysium Planitia, Mars During a Global Dust Storm - Insights from a Dust Reservoir
摘要
Dust in the Martian planetary boundary layer (PBL), strongly influences its thermal structure. Observations of dust devils and dust storms have been made using remote sensing by Mars orbiters, as well as landers and rovers. However, in the absence of long-term, continuous meteorological data, a comprehensive understanding of the boundary layer meteorology associated with these dust events remains incomplete. This study presents morphological evidence of dust deposition and removal in the Elysium Planitia region, indicating its potential as a dust reservoir. The study corroborates previous interpretations of surface brightening due to deposition of dust in the study region. A Mars atmospheric model is used to analyze the local meteorological conditions in this region during different phases of the 2006 global dust storm. New evidence of dust devil tracks around the Insight landing site suggests potential dust removal and occurrence of vortex activity in the area (10 newly formed dust devil tracks in a ~2 km2 area and within 22 Martian sols), which aligns with the atmospheric model results - the model shows strong buoyancy driven turbulence, characterized by Richardon numbers, Ri >>-0.2. Given that the Mars landers operate in the PBL, such research provides valuable insights for future in situ exploration of Mars, e.g., a future Indian Mars lander-rover mission.