Planetary Aeolian Geomorphology

Aeolian processes contribute to surface landforms on several bodies in our solar system. Sediment transport is responsible for a broad range of geophysical phenomena, including dust storms on Earth and Mars and the formation and migration of dunes on both planetary bodies, as well as on Venus and Titan. This chapter briefly discusses the characteristics of sediment transport, as well as presents open questions on planetary sediment transport that need to be addressed to improve our understanding of planetary geomorphology, with emphasis on dune formation and migration. The geomorphic processes that generate sediment for aeolian entrainment have changed through time on Mars. Observations of the active migration of aeolian bedforms demonstrate that saltation is occurring on Mars, so that some attrition is likely to be happening. Rocks that have been abraded by windborne particles are common on the Martian surface and have been observed at four Rover landing sites.