Dust Devils on Earth and Mars: Workshop

When/where: 19-20 September 2005, U. S. Geological Survey Field Center, Flagstaff Arizona

Who: anyone interested in the geological and atmospheric aspects of dust devils

What: the workshop will include discussion of results from observations of active dust devils on Earth and Mars, physical and computational modeling, theoretical studies and terrestrial field studies; the workshop format will include short contributed papers and topical working sessions

Why: the workshop is prompted partly by active dust devils on Mars, observed from orbit and the ground, and increased interest seen over the last decade in these phenomena, both from the perspective of science and from considerations of operations on the surface of Mars. Various individuals and research groups have engaged in field studies, data analyses, and modeling of the physics and geology of dust devils. This workshop will enable sharing of results with colleagues.

Active Dust Devil on Mars From Orbit. A part of MOC N/A image E16-01487. This is an ~100m dia. dust devil that began in the center of an impact crater and traveled up the inner wall. It has removed material from the surface and left a dark ~2km long dust devil track behind. The image center is at 9.82°W 3.84°S and was taken in southern hemisphere autumn (Ls: 16.10°) and at 13:58 (LTST).

1. To register for the workshop, send the following information to Ron Greeley at greeley@asu.edu

Full name:
Institution:
Full mail address:
Phone number:
Fax number:
e-mail address:

Will you attend dinner the evening of the 19th?

2. All participants must submit a relevant abstract (see below)

3. A registration fee of $20.00 will be payable in cash at the workshop

Abstracts of participant research related to some aspect of dust devils must be submitted. Format: Title (all caps), Name(s) and affiliation(s) of author(s) indented in lower case, Body of text not to exceed 2800 characters (this includes spaces). Font should be 12 point, Times. Submit as a Word document.

Travel support for some students is available. Students should contact Marguerite Syvertson (Mars Program Office) at mls@jpl.nasa.gov or (818) 354-6492 for application materials as soon as possible; support is limited!

Travel: Flagstaff is accessible by air by America West Airlines with flights connecting through Phoenix. Many people find it easier and cheaper to fly to Phoenix, then drive to Flagstaff north on I-17 (it is a 2.5 hour drive).

Hotels: a wide variety of hotels are available in Flagstaff, a vacation destination. Visit the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.flagstaffchamber.com/places_to_stay.php for a current list. Ask for government, AAA, or AARP rates for reduced costs, but book early.

The workshop will be held at the U. S. Geological Survey Field Center at 2255 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ, in the Building 3 Conference Room.

Morning and afternoon "breaks" will include beverages and snacks. An informal picnic dinner (bring your own beverage) will be held for participants and guests on the evening of September 19th at the Greeley's local cabin.

Weather: if you arrive in Phoenix, it will be HOT! But, as you ascend from <1000 feet to ~7000 feet in Flagstaff, the temperature will drop significantly. In the evening, you will want a light jacket.

http://gaspra.la.asu.edu/dustdevil/