资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

Wind generates erosional and depositional morphologies across Mars, including in Jezero crater, the planned landing site for the Mars 2020 rover. Known for subaqueously formed sedimentary features, Jezero crater also hosts wind-formed features that provide insights about the local wind regime. We combine interpretations from dunes, wind streaks, transverse aeolian ridges, and yardangs to holistically understand the recent history of wind in Jezero crater. Together, these features describe modern easterly winds trending toward 263 degrees +/- 8 degrees and older southwesterly winds that formed small yardangs. Previous research has suggested that aeolian processes eroded the delta deposit in Jezero crater. We propose early southwesterly winds removed the majority of material, exposing the more lithified units seen today. Modern easterly winds continue to cause erosion, but lithologic heterogeneities remain the dominant control on delta deposit evolution. Aeolian erosion has accentuated existing sedimentary structures, leaving the striking delta remnant seen today.

Plain Language Summary Jezero crater on Mars will be the landing site for the Mars 2020 rover. Jezero crater is known for being an ancient lakebed and for having a well-preserved delta in the crater. Jezero crater has also been exposed to high winds which left behind dunes and other evidence of windiness. In this work, we focus on the wind-generated parts of Jezero crater and use the geology to understand the winds. Based on the geology, winds in Jezero crater blow from east to west but used to blow from the southwest. These older winds were likely responsible for most of the erosion in the crater, because erosion would have been easier when the lake first dried up.