Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3): north polar region (MC-1) distribution, applications, and volume estimates

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
The Mars Global Digital Dune Database (MGD3) now extends from 90°N to 65°S. The database, available in GIS- and tabular-format in USGS Open-File Reports, makes it possible to examine global dune distribution patterns and to compare dunes with other global data sets (e.g. atmospheric models). The utility of MGD3 is demonstrated through three example applications. First, the uneven geographic distribution of the dunes is discussed and described. Second, dune-derived wind direction and its role as ground truth for atmospheric models is reviewed. Comparisons between dune-derived winds and global and mesoscale atmospheric models suggest that local topography may have an important influence on dune-forming winds. Third, the methods used here to estimate north polar dune volume are presented and these methods and estimates are compared with those of previous researchers.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2011, vol. 36, n°. 14, p. 1967-1972, nombre de pages : 6, Références bibliographiques : 31 ref.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley