An Extremely Elongated Cloud Over Arsia Mons Volcano on Mars: 2. Mesoscale Modeling

In a previous work (Hernández-Bernal et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006517) we performed an observational analysis of the Arsia Mons Elongated Cloud (AMEC), which stands out due to its impressive size and shape, quick dynamics, fact that it happens during Martian dusty season. Observations show morphology can be split in head, on western slope volcano around 120 km diameter; tail, expands west reaching more than 1,000 length, making AMEC longest orographic cloud observed so far solar system. this run Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique Mesoscale Model gain insight into physics AMEC. We note is coincident terms local time seasonality with fastest winds summit Mons. A downslope windstorm followed by hydraulic-like jump triggering strong vertical updraft propagates upwards atmosphere, causing drop temperatures down 30 K at 40–50 altitude, spatially temporarily head However model does not reproduce microphysics cloud: optical depth too low expansion tail happen model. The diurnal cycle correctly captured for cloud. This raises new questions will guide future observations