Scientists have explained why dust storms appear on Mars. They are dangerous for rovers

A new study finds that seasonal imbalances in the amount of solar energy absorbed and...

emitted by Mars is a likely cause of dust storms on the Red Planet. They have long intrigued scientists.

The energy (or thermal) balance of the planet is the balance of the energy of heat transfer and radiation processes on its surface and in the atmosphere.

“One of our most interesting findingsis that excess energy—more energy is absorbed than emitted—may be one of the mechanisms for generating dust storms on Mars. Understanding these processes can provide insight into the role of the Earth's energy budget. This will help understand the emergence and development of severe storms, including hurricanes,” explains Ellen Creasy, a doctoral student and lead author of the paper, which will be published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), in a university press release. .

Thin atmosphere and very ellipticalMars' orbit makes it particularly susceptible to large temperature changes. It absorbs excessive amounts of solar heat as it approaches the Sun during the perihelion seasons (spring and summer for the southern hemisphere of Mars). It is at this moment that dust storms occur, scientists noted.

According to NASA, large dust storms, which can last for weeks on Mars, create big problems for rovers. They occur annually and cover a vast territory.

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