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High-frequency gravity waves at the Martian surface observed by Zhurong/Tianwen-1 and Perseverance/Mars2020 rovers
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  • Chengyun Yang,
  • Cong Sun,
  • Chao Ban,
  • Dexin Lai,
  • Zhaopeng Wu,
  • Xin Fang,
  • Tao Li
Chengyun Yang
University of Science and Technology of China
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Cong Sun
University of Science and Technology of China
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Chao Ban
Key Laboratory of Middle Atmosphere and Global Environment Observation, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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Dexin Lai
University of Science and Technology of China
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Zhaopeng Wu
Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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Xin Fang
University of Science and Technology of China
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Tao Li
University of Science and Technology of China

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

High-frequency gravity waves (HFGWs) observed by the Zhurong/Tianwen-1 and Perseverance/Mars 2020 rovers between 09:00 and 11:00 local time, from Ls 140° to 165° in Mars Year 36 was investigated. By analyzing the eccentricity of hodographs for monochromatic wind perturbations obtained from harmonic fittings, HFGWs were identified via their predominantly linear characteristics. The background atmosphere stability was estimated using the Richardson number from the Dynamic Meteorology Laboratory general circulation model simulation. We find that the frequency of HFGWs doubled following the onset of a regional dust storm (RDS) in the Utopia Planitia region, where the Zhurong rover landed. The propagation directions of the HFGWs were determined using their polarization relationships. The HFGWs observed by Zhurong predominantly propagated north-south direction before the RDS and then east-west after. The propagation direction changes were likely due to the atmospheric instability changes in the region before and after the storm.
16 Oct 2024Submitted to ESS Open Archive
16 Oct 2024Published in ESS Open Archive