1973 dust storm on Mars: Maps from hourly photographs

The hourly progress of the 1973 major Martian storm has been mapped using photographic images from the International Planetary Patrol. The outlines of brightened areas were definable for about 3 weeks, which is about the same amount of time that could be mapped in this manner during the 1971 major storm. Two series of 20 daily maps show the semihourly positions of the storm brightenings in red light and blue light. The maps indicate that the 1973 storm had many similarities to the 1971 storm, as well as a number of significant characteristics of its own. The differences in color and location of several initial clouds that developed during the 1973 storm are compared using Patrol photographs taken through red, green, blue, and ultraviolet filters. The positions of the 1973 initial clouds are shown on a map together with the initial clouds that developed into the well-known storms of 1956 and 1971. The 1973 storm developed more of the characteristics of the 1971 storm after 8 to 10 days. Separate maps of every 2 hours showing the progression of the storms on their 11th days portray the extent of the similarities. The 1973 storm was mapped through its 22nd day (November 3), by which time it had begun to decay: the brightened areas had diminished in size and contrast. A summary map shows which areas on Mars were most affected by the brightenings seen during this storm. The map is more comprehensive than could be produced from the 1956 and 1971 photographs, although the areas which were active throughout these three major storms were very similar. Not only was the general latitudinal belt the same, but also the irregularities or indentations in the belt occured at nearly the same places.     

The major Martian dust storms of 1971 and 1973

The two largest Martian dust storms on photographic record occurred during the past two apparitions. The general characteristics of these events are compared using the hourly photography from the International Planetary Patrol. Dust storms are believed to be seasonal events on Mars, and therefore both storms had been predicted, but both turned out to be larger than expected, since they were each more extensive than the famous 1956 storm.The 1971 storm was much larger than the 1973 storm in both intensity and duration, although the 1973 storm had a more rapid initial expansion. Both storms began in the southern hemisphere but the 1973 storm began later (during summer, nearly three months beyond perihelion). The 1971 storm lasted approximately twice as long as the 1973 storm.Maps of the first nine days of both storms are presented to facilitate a comparison of their initial outbreaks and growth. Graphs of changes in contrast of albedo features during the 1973 storm are based on microdensitometer tracings of Planetary Patrol photographs.The frequency and regularity of storms of this size are uncertain because of the lack of comprehensive photographic observation during past apparitions. Identification and evaluation of such events in the future requires the continuation of well-coordinated worldwide observing efforts.     

Martian dust storms at the early stage of their evolution

On the basis of our visual observations, several major source regions, i.e., Hellas-Iapygia, Argyre-Thaumasia, Insidis area, and Phaethontis-Mare Sirenum have been identified so far by Earth-based observations as the location of the first Martian dust storm appearance in the southern hemisphere. A principal source, for the northern storms, has also been recorded over Tempe-Arcadia. Remarkable dust storms have broken out over these source regions; these storms have always manifested sharp-cut boundaries at their outbreak or in their early developmental stage, whenever visual detailed inspection under favorable seeing conditions was possible. They never displayed irregular or diffuse outlines at their early stage. Through our observations of the dust storm outbreaks in 1956, 1971, and 1982, we were fortunate enough to record these precise behaviors at the very early stage of evolution of the clouds.     

On the Martian dust storms

A short review is given of the observational data on the great Martian dust storms. It is noted that these storms are observed at the time of the great oppositions, when Mars is at its perihelion. It is then late spring-early summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the insolation is a maximum. Intense storms were observed during the 1892, 1924, 1941, 1956 and 1971 oppositions, but not in 1909 or 1939. These storms were of various duration and intensity which points out the importance of local time and space meteorological conditions at the moment of storm origin. Storm generation is caused by local conditions, but the fact that they frequently reach global scale implies that there are some feedback processes favoring the global spread of the dust. Possible such processes are described qualitatively together with the causes of storm declines. Those problems of Martian meteorology and micrometeorology are discussed which have to be studied for a better understanding of the generation, development and decay of a dust storm.     

The significance of bright spots observed during the 1971 Martian dust storm

Mariner 9 photographs of the southern hemisphere of Mars taken during the 1971 planet-wide dust storm display circular bright spots at a time when all near-surface features were totally obscured. Correlating the positions and diameters of these spots with topography shows that they correspond to craters. About half of all the large craters in thestudy area were brightened. The associated craters are large and flat-floored, have significant rim uplift, and contain dark splotches on their floors. The depth/diameter relationship of the bright spot craters is comparable to that of a planet-wide sample. Depth may not be important in selectively brightening certain craters. The visibility of bright spots in A-camera photographs is strongly dependent on the wavelength of the filter used during exposure. It is proposed that bright spots result from the multiple scattering of incident light in dust clouds entrained within craters during dust storms. The appearance of the dust clouds is a function of the availability of a dust supply and, perhaps, air turbulence generated by winds flowing over upraised rims and rough crater floors. Bright spots persist during the final stage of the planet-wide dust storm. If bright spots are dust clouds, this persistence demonstrates that crater interiors are the last regions of clearing.     

A Martian yellow cloud—July 1971

A short-term yellow cloud was observed in the southern hemisphere of Mars from July 10 to 22, 1971. The initial cloud was first photographed on the morning limb at 7:45am local Martian sun time in the Serpentis-Hellespontus region (315°W; 27°S), 74 Earth days (72 Martian days) prior to the onset of the September major yellow storm. Historical observations from the Lowell Observatory archives indicate that prestorm yellow clouds of limited extent are not uncommon.Positional measurement and photographic differential photometry of the July yellow cloud were possible throughout its entire evolution because Mars was favorably situated and photographic coverage by the International Planetary Patrol was adequate. Maps showing the cloud's initial location, hourly and diurnal behavior, apparent motion, and areal coverage by haze are presented. The similarities between the July cloud and other southern hemisphere yellow clouds are summarized. Its relationships to classical albedo features and Mariner 9 topographic data are discussed. Photographic photometry indicates that the enhanced contrast between the yellow cloud and its surroundings is probably due more to the brightening of the cloud-covered areas than to any darkening of contiguous areas.     

The major Martian yellow storm of 1971

Extensive Earth-based photography produced by the International Planetary Patrol has been used to map the positions of brightened areas (clouds) during the 1971 storm on Mars. The mapping was done on an hourly basis from two days prior to the onset of the storm through its twenty-second day. Summaries of these maps are presented to illustrate the changes that take place during the course of a Martian day, as well as the changes from one day to the next. It is shown that the storm goes through a daily cycle of regeneration, although each day it advances farther than it did the day before. The possible influence of Martian topography on the progress of the storm is examined. Comparisons between red- and blue-filter photographs of the storm are presented cartographically and are discussed. Areas most affected by the storm during this period are summarized in Fig. 8.     

A review on East Asian dust storm climate, modelling and monitoring

In arid and semi-arid area of Asia, dust storms occur frequently. Asian dust storms have a major impact on the air quality of the densely populated areas of China, Korea and Japan, and are important to the global dust cycle. In extreme cases, they result in the loss of human lives and disruptions of social and economic activities. In recent years, systematic research on Asian dust storms has been carried out. Much progress has been made in the development of integrated dust storm monitoring and modeling systems by making use of advanced numerical models, satellite remote sensing and GIS data. In this paper, we summarize the recent achievements in Asian dust storm research with an emphasis on dust climatology, modeling and satellite monitoring. The concept of integrated dust storm monitoring and modeling system is described and a summary of the developments in key research areas is given, including new dust models and techniques in satellite remote sensing and system integration. We then discuss the current research frontiers and the challenges for future studies.     

Water ice clouds in the Martian atmosphere: Two Martian years of SPICAM nadir UV measurements

The SPICAM instrument onboard Mars Express has successfully performed two Martian years (MY 27 and MY28) of observations. Water ice cloud optical depths spatial and temporal distribution was retrieved from nadir measurements in the wavelength range 300–320 nm. During the northern spring the cloud hazes complex distribution was monitored. The clouds in the southern hemisphere formed a zonal belt in the latitude range 30–60°S. The edge of the retreating north polar hood merged with the northern tropical clouds in the range 250–350°E. The development of the aphelion cloud belt (ACB) started with the weak hazes formation (cloud optical thickness 0.1–0.3) in the equatorial region. At the end of the northern spring, the ACB cloud optical thickness reached already values of 0.3–1. The ACB decay in the end of the northern summer was accompanied with a presence of clouds in the north mid-latitudes. The expanded north polar hood merged with the north mid-latitude clouds in the eastern hemisphere. The interannual comparison indicates a decrease in cloud activity immediately after a strong dust storm in southern summer of MY28. The strong dust storms of the MY28 may also be a reason of the observed north polar hood edge shifting northward by 5°.     

Photometric imaging of Mars during the 1973 opposition

Images of Mars were obtained at 20 wavelengths between 0.35 and 1.10 μm during the 1973 opposition using the MIT MKIII silicon vidicon imaging system at the 88-in. telescope of the Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii. The observations covered a 3-hr interval on Day 2 of the 1973 Solis Lacus dust storm. At blue wavelengths two huge crescent-shaped anomalous brightenings surrounded the central dust storm in the early morning but faded during the morning; they were probably deposits of H₂O frost or low level haze that was degassed from the regolith in Solis Lacus. The north polar hood, which was nonsymmetrically oriented about the north pole, faded and receded during the observing period. Regions of known dust storm activity could be clearly distinguished, and the images revealed dust cloud activity in Chryse as well. Relative reflectance spectra generated from the images showed compositional variations within the Erythraeum M. dark area complex: Margaritifer S. and Eastern Erythraeum M. have similar ferrosilicate mineralogy, but have stronger ferrosilicate absorption bands than Pyrrhae R. and Eos. Western Erythraeum M. and northern Eos were contaminated by high albedo dust. Reflectance spectra obtained from orbit around Mars could provide higher spatial resolution and more complete coverage of the dark areas, yielding an opportunity to correlate geologic features with crustal petrology. An orbiting spectrometer could also provide spectra in the compositionally diagnostic wavelength range 1–4 μm, where the Earth's atmosphere contains intense absorption bands.     

North polar hood of Mars in 1969 (May 18–July 25). I. Blue light

The north polar hood has been mapped in its developing stages during 1969 using blue-filter, Planetary Patrol photography. Boundaries of the hood and associated clouds were plotted from hourly photographs for an interval of 69 days. The results are presented as summation maps, one covering the total interval and the others each covering one third of the interval. Each summation map shows, with isolines, the number of days that clouds were recorded within various areas. Several of the daily maps are also presented as examples of the plots of hourly coverage from which the summation maps were derived.     

Mars: Clearing of the 1971 dust storm

A semiquantitative analysis of clearing in the 1971 great dust storm on Mars is presented as a function of time and altitude, using Mariner 9 orange- and visual-light photos. Steady settling of dust approximately accounts for the decline of the storm after December 22, 1971. Continuous settling cannot be invoked prior to that date; injection of dust into the atmosphere, i.e., a storm resurgence, occurred in mid-December 1971. Theoretical models of optical depth versus time are developed for various distributions of particles in the atmosphere. By intespreting settling in terms of Stokes' law, estimates of the maximum radii of dust particles throughout the atmosphere have been obtained. Models which best account for the dust-storm decline indicate particles ? 5μm in diameter high in the atmosphere, with a concentration of larger particles (? 10μm) near the ground in the lowest parts of Mars. Long-term thin high hazes should persist through much of the Martian year, perhaps clearing before perihelion.     

Interannual variability of Mars' south polar cap

Telescopic data on the twentieth-century regressions of Mars' south polar cap have been reexamined for evidence of interannual variability. Several regressions, particularly that of 1956, are found to differ significantly from the mean. The possibility of correlations with major dust storms is explored.     

High-resolution atmospheric observations by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System

High-resolution observations of atmospheric phenomena by the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) during its first mapping year are presented. An atmospheric campaign was implemented on the basis of previous spacecraft imaging. This campaign, however, proved of limited success. This appears to be due to the late local time of the Odyssey orbit (the locations of activity at 4–6 p.m. appear to be different from those at 2 p.m.). Ironically, images targeting the surface were more useful for study of the atmosphere than those images specifically targeting atmospheric features. While many previously recognized features were found, novel THEMIS observations included persistent clouds in the southern polar layered deposits, dust or condensate plumes on the northern polar layered deposits, dust plumes as constituent parts of local dust storms, and mesospheric clouds. The former two features tend to be aligned parallel and normal to polar troughs, respectively, suggesting a wind system directed normal to troughs and radially outward from the center of the polar deposits. This is consistent with katabatic drainage of air off the polar deposits, analogous to flow off Antarctica. The observation of dust lifting plumes at unprecedented resolution associated with local dust storms not only demonstrates the importance of mean wind stresses (as opposed to dust devils) in initiation of dust storms, but is also seen to be morphologically identical to dust lifting in terrestrial dust storms. As Odyssey moves to earlier local times, we suggest that the atmospheric campaign from the first mapping year be repeated.     

Numerical simulation and synoptic analysis of dust emission and transport in East Asia

This study is concerned with the mechanisms of dust storm development in East Asia and the characteristics of the responsible synoptic systems. Two severe East Asian dust storms which occurred in spring 2002 are analyzed using synoptic and remote sensing data. The relationships between the formation and the movement of the dust storms and the evolution of the synoptic systems are examined. It is shown that a dust storm may develop when a synoptic system moves to the desert area of Northeast Asia with a surface wind speed exceeding 6 m s^− 1. Numerical simulations of the two dust storms are carried out using a dust storm forecasting model. The performance of the model is verified with observations. The dust sources are found to be consistent with the desert regions in Northeast Asia, but cover a somewhat larger area than the observations suggest. Finally, we present a conceptual model of dust storm generation and movement in East Asia on the basis of numerical modeling and synoptic analysis.     

Martian albedo feature variations with season: Data of 1971 and 1973

This paper is a qualitative and quantitative investigation of recent seasonal and secular albedo feature variations on Mars using the improved red-filter photography of the International Planetary Patrol Program obtained during the 1971 and 1973 apparitons. The boundaries of telescopic albedo features showing significant changes and uncommonly bright areas were measured with an image projection reader and plotted on Mars maps in order to compare changes with Mariner 9 variable feature data obtained in 1972. The Daedalia-Claritas darkening (90–130°W, 25°S) of 1973 was the most significant change observed on Mars since the Laocoontis-Alcyonius darkening of the 1950 decade. The 1973 apparition presented six excellent examples of normal seasonal changes.Photographic photometry of 21 albedo features located in three longitude regions was systematically done on 120 original red-filter negatives, about half representing the Martian southern spring season and the other half the southern summer season. These two sets of photographs differed about 90° in L_s but were nearly equal in viewing geometry. They were identical in image scale, emulsion, color response, and quality. The data, consisting of 3960 density measurements, were analyzed in terms of albedo ratios and their fluctuations. Several types of diagnostic graphs are presented.Seasonal differences of the mean brightness ratios for most of the features were found to be consistent with the contrast changes shown on photographic Mars maps. Seasonal variations of brightnesses with latitude and region were indicated, but not in the strict classical sense of a wave-of-darkening. Most albedo features were more variable during southern spring than they were in summer. Most light albedo features were more active than dark ones during both seasons. There was a general loss of relative contrast in southern summer. No systematic dependence on solar phase angle was detected within the range (38° > i > 16°) spanned by both sets of photographs.     

Viking orbiter observations of the Mars opposition effect

The Viking Extended Mission has experienced two major dust storms that have changed the global photometric properties of Mars. Large quantities of atmospheric dust arising from the June 5, 1977, storm have been observed at very low phase angles to measure the opposition effect. These particles yield only a small increase in brightness at 0° phase angle with the least enhancement seen in violet light. The phase function is well modeled by nonspherical particles with a spectrally dependent single scattering albedo. It is doubtful, therefore, that atmospheric dust plays a significant role in the reported blue light brightness surge. Such particles as surface structure combined with a lunar photometric function could, however, produce the wavelength-dependent backscattering observed during the 1967 and 1969 oppositions under clearer conditions.     

Dust storms originating in the northern hemisphere during the third mapping year of Mars Global Surveyor

Data from the third Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mapping year (MY 26, 2003-2005) are used to investigate dust storms originating in the northern hemisphere. Flushing dust storms, which originate as frontal dust storms at the northern polar vortex edge and propagate southward through topographic channels, are observed immediately before and after a quiescent period that occurs around the northern winter solstice (240°<Ls<300°). Both the pre- and post-solstice active periods can be further divided into two sub-periods. The most vigorous of these flushing storms occurred during L_s 210-220° and L_s 310-320°. The lifted dust crossed the equator and accumulated in the southern hemisphere. These major dust storms enhanced the Hadley circulation and suppressed the lower-level baroclinic eddies in the northern mid and high latitudes. The 2-3 sol wave number m=3 traveling waves show the best correlation with flushing dust storms and can combine with other wave modes to produce storm tracks and fronts within individual sub-periods.     

SAR arcs and 6300 Å emission by dissociative recombination of O2+ observed from Africa during severe magnetic storms

SAR arcs were observed from Southern Africa on 17/18 December 1971, 4/5 August 1972 and 1/2 April 1973 with the equatorwards edge at L = 1.8. Simultaneous with the latter event the intertropical arc was observed at an equatorial station. There was no apparent relationship. Calculations show that while the entire observed inter-tropical emission results from dissociative recombination of O₂⁺ this process may, in some cases, account for only a fraction of a percent of the observed SAR arc emission. More than five years of geomagnetic storm data shows that Southern African SAR arcs are unlikely unless disturbances exceed 150 γ. For very severe 300 γ disturbances main phase SAR arcs may be observed. Estimates of the fraction of storm energy used in production of the present arcs indicate they are inefficient sinks for magnetic storms.     

The international planetary patrol program: An assessment of the first three years

Day-to-day and hour-to-hour changes in the large-scale atmospheric and surface features of the planets can now be studied more effectively than previously possible. Since 1969 a network of observatories has obtained almost uninterrupted photographic coverage during all apparitions of Jupiter and Mars, plus some of Venus. Patrol films and catalogues are available to the scientific community. Recent or current analyses include the distribution and motion of clouds on Mars, the development and decay of Martian dust storms, the seasonal, diurnal and random fluctuations in contrast between adjacent light and dark regions on Mars, the detection of vertical shear in the Jovian atmosphere, the longitudinal oscillation of the Red Spot, the dependence of rotation period on xenographic latitude and on time, the eruption and spread of SEB disturbances, and the retrograde circulation of the Venus cloud deck.