High-frequency gravity waves at the Martian surface observed by
Zhurong/Tianwen-1 and Perseverance/Mars2020 rovers
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.