Martian Aeolian Geomorphology

This book covers Martian Aeolian Geomorphology and is organized around three main foci. The first focus is about advancing our understanding of aeolian geomorphology through research on Martian aeolian landforms. Chapters 1 through 4 provide essential knowledge for understanding the aeolian geomorphology of Mars. Among them, Chapters 1 and 2 provide readers with a clear understanding of the significance, scientific status and methodology of the study of aeolian geomorphology on Mars. Chapters 3 introduces the physics of aeolian geomorphology and Chapter 4 presents an overview of Mars. Chapters 5 and 6 are devoted to the Martian atmosphere, and Martian sediments respectively, constituting the dynamic conditions and the material basis for the formation of aeolian landforms, their basic characteristics, the processes that control their formation and evolution, and comparisons with Earth. Chapters 7 and 8 discuss the geomorphological types, morphology and distribution of dunes on Mars, and extract information on the developmental environment and processes that control dune landforms.

The second focus of this book concerns the unique characteristics of Martian aeolian landforms. Chapters 9 and 10 provide thorough introductions to several unique Martian aeolian landforms.

The third focus is to provide a textbook for graduate students. To facilitate understanding of Martian aeolian landforms and deepen the reader’s comprehension of current aeolian geomorphological theories, we connect the characteristics of various aspects of Martian aeolian landforms with the relevant theories, and especially the classical theories that have stood the test of time. At the same time, we try to present different viewpoints and hypotheses on relevant scientific issues, leaving readers with wide room for innovative thinking.

The book’s 12 chapters are ordered to start with an overview of fundamental knowledge (Chapters 1to 4), continue (Chapters 5 to 11) by describing the book’s core content, and conclude (Chapters 12 ) by relating what we believe about Mars to what we know about Earth.