Morphology of Slope Streaks within Nicholson Crater, Mars:Records of Recent Wind Activity

Abstract

Wind is currently the dominant active geological agent bringing about constant changes over the Martian surface. One of the most conspicuous resultant morphology derived is the formation of slope streaks, highly transient features that tend to develop and may completely disappear within a few ten of years. In this article a detailed analysis on the pattern, morphology and appearance of slope streaks within the central mound of the Nicholson crater on Mars, has been made and plausible reasons for their formation as well as darkening and fading mechanisms are discussed. We focus on some observations which indicate the role of wind in carving specific streak patterns. The morphological observations discussed, strongly support active aeolian processes and provide evidences in favour of the dust avalanche theory for the formation and current morphology of slope streaks in the Nicholson crater.