Spectral location for the universal scaling regime in Martian atmospheric turbulence.

Atmospheric turbulence, irregular fluctuations of the fluid state, is studied on Mars. Universality of the turbulence spectrum underpins atmospheric models where computational requirements preclude full fidelity simulations of the smallest scales. However, there are discrepancies among reports on the existence and spectral location of universal scaling in Martian atmospheric data.

Association of Acidotolerant Cyanobacteria to Microbial Mats below pH 1 in Acidic Mineral Precipitates in Río Tinto River in Spain.

This report describes acidic microbial mats containing cyanobacteria that are strongly associated to precipitated minerals in the source area of Río Tinto. Río Tinto (Huelva, Southwestern Spain) is an extreme acidic environment where iron and sulfur cycles play a fundamental role in sustaining the extremely low pH and the high concentration of heavy metals, while maintaining a high level of microbial diversity. These multi-layered mineral deposits are stable all year round and are characterized by a succession of thick greenish-blue and brownish layers mainly composed of natrojarosite.

Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Studies of the Martian Atmosphere Over Jezero From Pressure Measurements.

The pressure sensors on Mars rover Perseverance measure the pressure field in the Jezero crater on regular hourly basis starting in sol 15 after landing. The present study extends up to sol 460 encompassing the range of solar longitudes from  ∼ 13°-241° (Martian Year (MY) 36). The data show the changing daily pressure cycle, the sol-to-sol seasonal evolution of the mean pressure field driven by the CO sublimation and deposition cycle at the poles, the characterization of up to six components of the atmospheric tides and their relationship to dust content in the atmosphere.

Winds at the Mars 2020 Landing Site. 2. Wind Variability and Turbulence.

Wind speeds measured by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover in Jezero crater were fitted as a Weibull distribution. InSight wind data acquired in Elysium Planitia were also used to contextualize observations. Jezero winds were found to be much calmer on average than in previous landing sites, despite the intense aeolian activity observed.

The sound of a Martian dust devil.

Dust devils (convective vortices loaded with dust) are common at the surface of Mars, particularly at Jezero crater, the landing site of the Perseverance rover. They are indicators of atmospheric turbulence and are an important lifting mechanism for the Martian dust cycle. Improving our understanding of dust lifting and atmospheric transport is key for accurate simulation of the dust cycle and for the prediction of dust storms, in addition to being important for future space exploration as grain impacts are implicated in the degradation of hardware on the surface of Mars.