Work

Time and Length Scales of the Martian Atmospheric Turbulence as Observed by the InSight Lander

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We provide a statistical analysis of the Martian near‐surface atmospheric turbulence based on in situ wind observations from NASA's InSight lander. We focus on the variations in length and time scales of the Martian atmospheric turbulence caused by the diurnal cycle and changes in atmospheric dust loading. We observe that the length and time scales of the turbulence have distinct behaviors before and after the dust storms. Moreover, we report an asymmetric trend in the diurnal evolution of the Martian near‐surface meteorological conditions, with stronger turbulence observed in the planetary boundary layer during late afternoon‐early evening compared to sunrise. We also find that strong nocturnal turbulence can occur following the collapse of the daytime boundary layer under a certain range of dust opacity.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl115539

Authors: Orkun Temel, Ozgur Karatekin

Institutions: Royal Observatory of Belgium, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Planetary Science and Exploration

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: Belgian Federal Science Policy Office, Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Vlaamse regering