Vast Deserts on Mars

• Identify wind current directions on Earth and Mars.
• Explain the formation of certain dune morphologies.
• Use Google Earth to identify changing paleocurrent direction, bounding surfaces, and their potential to be observed/preserved on Mars.

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.

Compiled In-Class Activities and Homework

• Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 729kB Nov20 16)
• Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 736kB Nov20 16)

In-Class Activity

• In-Class Activity 1: Sandbox Dunes
  
  • Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 515kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 598kB Nov20 16)
     
• In-Class Activity 2: Martian Ventifacts
  
  • Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 573kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 584kB Nov20 16)
     

Homework/Lab

• Homework 1: "Bounding" Through Dunes
  
  • Student Version (Acrobat (PDF) 592kB Nov20 16); Instructor Version (Acrobat (PDF) 654kB Nov20 16)
     

• For larger classes (>20 students) you can either create your own Sandbox Dune demonstration or use the Video demonstration (see Resources).
• In Homework 1: students will need a clear understanding of how dunes and dune processes are recorded in the rock record (marching away from you, toward you, paleocurrent direction etc.).
• You will often integrate the Explain and Explore sections of the In-Class Activities. Interact with the students as they "explore" and help them define terms/principles (Ex: Sandbox Dunes).

Methods of assessment are within each individual In-Class Activity and Homework.

1. Image file: Vast Deserts on Mars (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 7.8MB Oct31 12)
2. Antarctica Ventifacts (image to the right)
   

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   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.

   Provenance: Julia Robinson, University of Utah
   Reuse: This item is offered under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ You may reuse this item for non-commercial purposes as long as you provide attribution and offer any derivative works under a similar license.
3. Sand Box Dune Video (MP4 Video 28MB Mar11 14)
4. 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.
5. Burns Formation PanCam Sol 288 (link down)