Vast Deserts on Mars
Julia Kahmann-Robinson PhD and Marjorie Chan PhD, University of Utah Department of Geology & Geophysics
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Dunes on Mars via HiRISE; Image Credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona![[creative commons]](/images/creativecommons_16.png)
Summary
Using a Sandbox experiment and Google Earth students will study the formation of dunes and relate their observations to Mars imagery of dune fields.
Learning Goals
- Students will be able to identify wind current direction on Earth and Mars
- Students will be able to explain why certain morphologies of dunes form
- Using Google Earth students will be able to identify changing paleocurrent direction, bounding surfaces and their potential to be observed/preserved on Mars.
Context for Use
This learning module is meant for adaptation in an introductory earth science course and/or planetary science course. The In-Class Activities can be easily adapted for homework when desired.
Description and Teaching Materials
In-Class Activity
- In-Class Activity 1: Sandbox Dunes **Coming Soon!!!**
- In-Class Activity 2: Martian Ventifacts
Homework/Lab
- Homework 1: "Bounding" through dunes
Teaching Notes and Tips
- In-Class Activities are intended to be instructor-guided without the use of worksheets. The Image File in Resources will allow for ease in implementation.
- For larger classes (>20 students) you can either create your own Sandbox Dune demonstration (see Resources) or use our Video demonstration. **Coming Soon**
- In Homework 1: students will need a clear understanding of how dunes are manifested in the rock record (marching away from you, toward you, paleocurrent direction etc.).
- Often, you will integrate the Explanation and Exploration sections of the In-Class Activities. Interact with the students as they "explore" and help them define terms/principles they should become familiar with (Ex: Sandbox Dunes).
Assessment
Methods of assessment are within each individual In-Class Activity and Homework.
References and Resources
- In-Class Activity Image file: Vast Deserts on Mars Image File (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 7.8MB Oct31 12)
×This image shows three examples of ventifacts from Antarctica (courtesy of T. Cerling) that display flat bottoms, and faceted sides blasted by the wind. The polished surface age is dated at about 2 million years. The center one had amygdules in the volcanic rock that were preferentially eroded and scoured out to leave deep pits.
- Student Version Here: **Coming Soon**
- Sand Box Dune Video **Coming Soon**
- Antarctica Ventifacts (Image right)
- Grotzinger, J.P. et al., 2005. Stratigraphy and sedimentology of a dry to wet eolian depositional system, Burns formation, Meridiani Planum, Mars. Earth & Planetary Science Letters, v. 240, p.11-72.
- Burns Formation PanCam Sol 288 Image Source: http://marsrover.nasa.gov/gallery/all/1/p/288/1P153752565ESF37MIP2544L7M1.HTML