Advances in Earth Science ›› 2021, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (2): 125-138. doi: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2021.023

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Eroded Dunes: Inspiration from Mars

Zhibao DONG( ), Chao LI, Ping LÜ, Guangyin HU   

  1. Planetary Aeolian Research Institute,Shaanxi Normal University,Xi'an 710119,China
  • Received:2020-11-18 Revised:2021-01-28 Online:2021-04-13 Published:2021-04-19
  • About author:Dong Zhibao (1966-), male, Hengshan County, Shaanxi Province, Professor. Research areas include physics of blown sand and aeolian geomorphology. E-mail: zbdong@snnu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China "Weathering rate of the dry denudated mountains surrounding the Tarim Basin"(41930641);"Formation of the meagadune system in China's Badain Jaran Sand Sea"(41871008)

Zhibao DONG, Chao LI, Ping LÜ, Guangyin HU. Eroded Dunes: Inspiration from Mars[J]. Advances in Earth Science, 2021, 36(2): 125-138.

Aeolian landforms are divided into two categories: wind deposition landforms and wind erosion landforms. The former refers to various types of sand dunes with their shapes being determined by the spatio-temporal variation of wind erosion and deposition. Wind erosion may play a significant role in reshaping the cumulated dunes which results in the formation of eroded dunes. This discovery is contrary to traditional understanding, therefore, eroded dunes have been ignored for a long time. However, many Martian dunes with subtle differences from dunes on the earth due to limited sediment supply have been found. We reviewed the description of eroded dunes by French M. Mainguet, and conceptual framework of controlling factors on dune morphology, and then pointed out clearly the necessity of studying eroded dunes. After systematic study on Martian dunes, we found ten types of eroded dunes, and then analyzed the morphology, development environment and possible formation mechanism. The vast saline-alkali land in the arid area of the earth which is similar to the limited sand supply environment on Mars is most likely to develop eroded dunes. Based on this, it can be inferred that eroded dunes are common on the earth, and the study on them is of great significance to the development of aeolian geomorphology theories and the Mars exploration in China.

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