In the context of phenomena, “aeolian” refers to physical processes and resulting features driven by the action of wind on unconsolidated or loosely consolidated surface materials, primarily sediments. Aeolian phenomena encompass erosion (deflation and abrasion), transport (suspension, saltation, and surface creep), and deposition, leading to landforms such as dunes, loess deposits, and ripples. These processes are governed by factors including wind velocity and variability, grain-size distribution, surface roughness, moisture content, and vegetation cover. Aeolian dynamics are central to geomorphology and planetary science, contributing to landscape evolution on Earth as well as on other bodies with atmospheres, such as Mars and Titan.
When NASA engineers want to test a concept for exploring the Red Planet, they have to find ways to create Mars-like conditions here on Earth. Then they test, tinker, and repeat.
Planetary Sciences
Dec 3, 2025
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Scientists have detected what they believe to be lightning on Mars by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Planetary Sciences
Nov 27, 2025
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73
Most people interested in space exploration already know lunar dust is an absolute nightmare to deal with. We've already reported on numerous potential methods for dealing with it, from 3D printing landing pads so we don't ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 17, 2025
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A swarm of spherical rovers, blown by the wind like tumbleweeds, could enable large-scale and low-cost exploration of the Martian surface, according to results presented at the Joint Meeting of the Europlanet Science Congress ...
Space Exploration
Sep 25, 2025
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Perseverance has continued exploring beyond the rim of Jezero crater, spending time last week at Parnasset conducting a mini-campaign on aeolian bedforms. After wrapping up that work, three separate drives brought Perseverance ...
Planetary Sciences
Aug 28, 2025
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31
On Mars, the past is written in stone—but the present is written in sand. Last week, Perseverance explored inactive megaripples to learn more about the wind-driven processes that are reshaping the Martian landscape every ...
Planetary Sciences
Aug 22, 2025
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Our two-person team loaded the car with a GPS, a drone, notebooks, sample bags, a trowel and a flat spatula lovingly called a scoopula. Then we drove 30 minutes in our rented truck from Yuma, Arizona, to the Algodones Dunes, ...
Planetary Sciences
Jul 10, 2025
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A new study by planetary scientists at Brown University and the University of Bern in Switzerland casts doubt on one of the most tantalizing clues that water might be flowing on present-day Mars.
Astrobiology
May 19, 2025
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172
A new study led by the University of Southampton and research institutes in France has uncovered the mystery of how mini sand dunes form on beaches and in deserts.
Earth Sciences
May 12, 2025
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47
Despite its dry, dusty surface and thinner atmosphere, Mars may have more in common with Earth than scientists previously thought.
Astrobiology
May 5, 2025
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94
