Surface layer turbulence scaling parameters at Jezero crater, Mars

This work investigates the atmospheric turbulence in the Martian surface layer (SL). Turbulence parameterization schemes aim to reduce the study of near-surface turbulence to a few variables related to the transport of heat and momentum. At Jezero crater, the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) instrument from the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover provides temperature and wind measurements with exceptional quality and cadence. We estimate the scaling parameters for shear-stress, near-surface buoyancy, and typical SL depths using nearly half a Martian year of MEDA data covering L S = 22°-153° in Martian year 36. Friction velocity, important for aeolian activity thresholds, is on the order of 0.2–0.9 m/s. The scale of thermal fluctuations can be as high as 4 K, resulting in shallow SLs with daily maximum depths of 10–55 m. The deepest SLs develop over high thermal inertia terrains, which highlights the local nature of the SL and the importance of accounting for horizontal heterogeneity. The order of magnitude of these parameters is in line with values found from atmospheric simulations and previous studies at other locations on Mars. Constraining the SL depth at Jezero is relevant to contextualize different atmospheric studies, quantify surface-atmosphere interactions, and to inform the design and operation of future Martian aerial vehicles.