A terrestrial analog for transverse aeolian ridges (TARs): Environment, morphometry, and recent dynamics

Abstract

Transverse aeolian ridges (TARs) are a distinct aeolian bedform found on Mars. The formative processes, evolution, and geological significance of TARs is poorly understood. Fundamentally, it is unknown whether TARs are dunes, mega-ripples, or another bedform type. We examined aeolian bedforms in the Lut Desert of Iran as a terrestrial analog for Martian TARs. From an objective sampling strategy with high-resolution satellite imagery, we developed a large morphometric dataset for comparison with existing Martian TARs. We also examined the dynamics of the Lut bedforms between 2004 and 2012 to determine if they were static or migrating. Results indicate that the range in the dimensions (length, width, height, and wavelength) of the Lut bedforms and Martian TARs overlap, suggesting Lut bedforms are a viable terrestrial TAR analog. Our sample yielded median values of 55.18m, 9.80, 1.02m, and 20m for length (longest planview axis), width (shortest planview axis), height, and wavelength, respectively. Cumulative log-frequency plots of morphometric parameters suggest the sample is from a single population and process mechanism. Although the vast majority of Lut bedforms examined were static between 2004 and 2012, some migrated up to 0.09myr−1 on average. This is much slower than nearby dunes (4–12myr−1), but is explained by the existence of a surface lag of coarse particles on the TAR-like bedforms. The combination of morphometry, surface sedimentology, and slow migration rate indicate the Lut bedforms are mega-ripples, which provides evidence supporting interpretation of Martian TARs as mega-ripples. Testing the mega-ripple hypothesis for Martian TARs requires measurements of their sedimentology, which may be possible with the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity, as well as expanded measurements of TAR morphometry to constrain their size, shape, and scaling.