Abstract
Transverse aeolian ridges – enigmatic Martian features without a proven terrestrial analog – are increasingly important to our understanding of Martian surface processes. However, it is not well understood how the relationships between different ridges evolve. Here we present a hypothesis for the development of complex hexagonal networks from simple linear forms by analyzing HiRISE images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. We identify variable morphologies which show the presence of secondary ridges, feathered transverse aeolian ridges and both rectangular and hexagonal networks. We propose that the formation of secondary ridges and the reactivation of primary ridge crests produces sinuous networks which then progress from rectangular cells towards eventual hexagonal cells. This morphological progression may be explained by the ridges acting as roughness elements due to their increased spatial density which would drive a transition from two-dimensional bedforms under three-dimensional flow conditions, to three-dimensional bedforms under two-dimensional flow conditions.
Highlights
Transverse aeolian ridges – enigmatic Martian features without a proven terrestrial analog – are increasingly important to our understanding of Martian surface processes
Transverse aeolian ridges (TARs), bright linear bedforms first documented in Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) data[1,2,3], are widespread on Mars, their distribution and role in the Martian sedimentary system and their relationship to Martian atmospheric conditions is poorly understood[2,3,4,5,6,7]
We found that primary ridges appear to be reactivated by secondary ridges forming scallops in the primary ridge crest (Fig. 2a–c, Supplementary Fig. 2)
Summary
Transverse aeolian ridges – enigmatic Martian features without a proven terrestrial analog – are increasingly important to our understanding of Martian surface processes. Recent work has documented a compound-formation process whereby secondary ridges can form perpendicularly to connect primary ridges[34,35] (Fig. 1a, b). The connections between sinuous TARs, rectangular networks, and hexagonal networks (Fig. 1d) have been largely unexplored.
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