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The paper, recently released in Icarus, made use of data from two of Mar Express video cameras: the Visual Monitoring Camera (VMC) and the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), and another electronic camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. All of those electronic cameras were concentrated on one particular occasion– the development of clouds surrounding the Martian North Pole during its spring.
Cloud development is common in that location at that time of year, but this is the very first time so much data-collecting power has actually been turned towards it. In particular, two notable dust storms formed during the springtime of 2019, when the data for the paper was gathered. That information consisted of real photos that revealed something familiar to storm watchers on Earth– spiral patterns.
Sometimes in that process, they discover patterns that are strikingly similar to those found on our house planet. That was the case just recently when a group of scientists from ESA used data from Mars Express to examine cloud formation on Mars.
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A hurricane-like spiral storm on Mars.Credit– ESA/ DLR/ FU Berlin.
One of the most distinct pictures from the HRSC images reveals a spiral pattern that appeared extremely similar to a hurricane (or cyclones as they are contacted some parts of the world) in the world. They reach in between 1000 and 2000 km in size and are believed to be triggered by similar patterns to those that form typhoons here..
Similarities between Earth and Martian clouds do not stop there. A few of Earths more picturesque cloud formations include a “texturing” pattern that makes them appear like sand. A similar pattern happens on Mars, and “textured” clouds can be seen in some of the images Mars Express sent out back.
These textures are formed by a convection pattern where, in the world, air including water is warmed by the Sun, causing it to increase, and ultimately, the water condenses to form clouds. On Mars, nevertheless, water is not so readily available, so the Sun heats up the dust-laden air, causing it to rise similarly and then fall into gaps in between the pockets of hot air containing the dust. This general “closed-cell convection” triggers the textured pattern seen in the image.
That was the case just recently when a group of scientists from ESA used data from Mars Express to evaluate cloud formation on Mars. A comparable pattern takes place on Mars, and “textured” clouds can be seen in some of the images Mars Express sent out back.
Mars and Earth arent the only places this phenomenon occurs. Venus also has closed-cell convection, as evidenced by data gathered by Mars Express sister craft– Venus Express. Considering that Venus also lacks significant water and has a much thicker atmosphere than either Earth or Mars, it appears the fundamental procedures that cause these cloud formations do not care much about that part of the environment, at least.
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Mars atmosphere has been gone for some time– could we bring it back?
Mars and Earth arent the only locations this phenomenon happens. Venus likewise has closed-cell convection, as evidenced by data gathered by Mars Express sis craft– Venus Express. Since Venus also does not have substantial water and has a much thicker atmosphere than either Earth or Mars, it appears the fundamental processes that cause these cloud developments do not care much about that part of the environment, at least.
Discovering comparable patterns somewhere else in the planetary system is both reassuring and enlightening. Using those resemblances to help predict Martian weather, especially for future crewed missions, is one method that long-standing missions such as Mars Express can continue to assist contribute to mankinds long-term exploration of space.
Discover more: ESA– Martian dust storms churn up Earth-like cloudsSánchez-Lavega et al.– Cellular patterns and dry convection in textured dust storms at the edge of Mars North Polar CapUT– Martian Clouds Might Start with Meteor Trails Through the AtmosphereUT– Every Spring a Single Cloud Forms at one of Mars Tallest Mountains and Only Lasts for a couple of Hours.
Lead Image: Image of a dust storm on Mars.Credit– ESA/ GCP/ UPV/ EHU Bilbao.
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