This data release provides a wave model application and wave parameters derived from simulations of a schematized ancient lake on Mars. The phase-averaged wave model, SWAN, was applied within the Delft3D modeling system (Deltares, 2018) with reduced gravity and a range of atmospheric densities and wind speeds to simulate potential conditions that could generate wind waves on Mars. Wave modeling presented in this data release was combined with analysis of sedimentary structures observed in imagery collected by the Mars rover Curiosity to determine whether four examples of symmetrical, reversing, or straight-crested bedforms in Gale Crater sandstones are preserved wave ripples (Rubin and others, 2022). The presence of wave ripples would signify that ice-free liquid water was present on the surface of Mars in the past. Digital files containing model input and output files as well as tabulated wave parameters from the simulations are provided in the Child Items listed below.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2022 |
|---|---|
| Title | Modeling surface gravity waves on a schematized ancient lake on Mars |
| DOI | 10.5066/P9AA8WKP |
| Authors | Andrew Stevens, Dave Rubin |
| Product Type | Data Release |
| Record Source | USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog |
| USGS Organization | Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center |
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Ancient winds, waves, and atmosphere in Gale Crater, Mars, inferred from sedimentary structures and wave modeling
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Ancient winds, waves, and atmosphere in Gale Crater, Mars, inferred from sedimentary structures and wave modeling
Wave modeling and analysis of sedimentary structures were used to evaluate whether four examples of symmetrical, reversing, or straight-crested bedforms in Gale crater sandstones are preserved wave ripples; deposition by waves would demonstrate that the lake was not covered by ice at that time. Wave modeling indicates that regardless of atmospheric density, winds that exceeded the threshold of aeoAuthorsDM Rubin, MAG Lapotre, Andrew W. Stevens, MP Lamb, CM Fedo, JP Grotzinger, S. Gupta, KM Stack, AR Vasavada, SG Banham, AB Bryk, G. Caravaca, JP Christian, Lauren A. Edgar, M. C. Malin - Connect