Sand dunes composed of accumulated sand sculpted by the wind occur on Earth and even in fantasy worlds such as the desert planet Arrakis in the epic. Sand dunes. But when it comes to known extraterrestrial sand dunes, the ones most studied by scientists are those on Mars.
Before learning more about sand dunes on Mars, it is worth remembering first what sand dunes are. They are formed by the accumulation of particles and can reach a height of several meters – unlike what happens in the first film in the saga or in the last film Sand Dunes: Part 2Don't hide the huge worms inside. Ufa!
Mars dunes
Sand dunes on Mars are filled with sand, the composition of which varies depending on the composition of the rocks. For example: On Earth, granite rocks are most common, but much of the sand is made of quartz. The most common rock on the Red Planet is volcanic basalt, known for its dark color.
This also makes the sand particles in these rocks dark. But interestingly, the Martian dunes are light in color – for some scientists, the difference may occur because lighter dust particles can fall from the atmosphere, covering the darker particles in the dunes.
On our planet, sand dunes have different shapes, and there are many of them on Mars as well. For this reason, the main types of sand dunes are:
- Huge waves.
- satellite dishes;
- transverse
- excellent.
Over the past few years, data obtained from probes such as NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and other space missions have helped scientists study Martian dunes in unprecedented detail.
Why study sand dunes on Mars?
Sand dunes on Mars are very intriguing: missions studying the Red Planet have already revealed huge sand dunes, bright bluish dunes, and much more. But, ultimately, what can these “different” formations teach us?
First of all, it is important to take into account that the surface of Mars is constantly covered in shifting sand thanks to the winds that blow all the time. Thus, sand dunes allow scientists to explain how wind and sand behave on the Red Planet.
Below, you can see the Namib sand dunes in 360 degrees, through the “eyes” of the Curiosity spacecraft:
The winds transform the Martian landscape into a veritable, ever-evolving desert, featuring sand dunes of different shapes and heights – some larger than the tallest skyscrapers on Earth.
By analyzing the speed and direction of wind patterns on Mars by region, scientists can understand how quickly the shape of sand dunes on the planet can change.
As they move, the dunes erode, exposing rock formations that may have once harbored habitable environments. Such areas are of great importance in planning future manned missions to Mars, as astronauts will need places to protect themselves from the harsh conditions of the Red Planet.
Pictures of sand dunes on Mars
Below you will find a gallery with photos of the most curious sand dunes on Mars.
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