published in Science Advances indicates that wind gusts and dust-devils can exceed 44 meters per second (approximately 100 miles per hour). This figure significantly surpasses earlier surface measurements.
These powerful winds are essential in influencing Mars’ climate, transporting dust across the surface, impacting weather systems, and presenting significant challenges for Mars missions. Researchers have long recognized that wind is a significant factor on Mars. The planet’s surface consists of fine dust and sand, with features such as dunes and global dust storms demonstrating the strength of the moving air. The winds elevate and shift dust, which subsequently impacts the amount of sunlight that reaches the surface, how heat is dispersed, and how water vapor acts within a thin atmosphere.
Grasping the true strength of these winds, their occurrence, and their interaction with dust is vital for developing precise climate and weather models of Mars. These models are crucial for strategizing future exploratory missions that must navigate the severe conditions of the Red Planet.
