Definition
Strictly seasonal dark features observed during local spring on defrosting circumpolar dunes at the presence of the seasonal CO2 ice layer on Mars.
Description
Low-albedo features on the seasonal frost cover of the dark circumpolar dunes on Mars. Dark dune spots are associated with dark diffuse, typically fan-shaped features; dark polygonal features typically on stoss sides; dark streaks typically on the lee sides, and dark or bright linear features on dune crests (Fig. 1).
Different types of dark dune features: (a) slope streak interpreted as sublimation driven sand flow features (arrow shows active avalanche-triggered cloud of dust) (Hansen et al. 2011) PSP_007962_2635 at 83.5°N, 118.6°E, Ls = 55° (Hansen et al. 2013). (b) Dark spots interpreted as outbreaks of dark dune material on bright seasonal frost, forming a “dust ring” around dunes (Hansen et al. 2013). ESP_024621_2535 at 73.35°N, 355.1°E, Ls = 21°. (c) Polygonal cracks where dark dune material or gas,...
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References
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Portyankina, G., Kereszturi, Á. (2014). Dark Dune Features. In: Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9213-9_96-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9213-9_96-2
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