A groundbreaking study, conducted by researchers including those from the University of Tokyo, has revealed that atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) play a pivotal role in driving latitudinal air currents on Mars, particularly in its high-altitude middle atmosphere. This discovery sheds new light on Martian atmospheric dynamics, offering insights that could enhance future climate models and improve preparations for human exploration of the Red Planet. The study, recently published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, marks a significant step in understanding the fundamental differences between Earth’s and Mars’ atmospheres.
Mars has long fascinated scientists, not just because of its potential for past or present life but also due to its complex atmospheric processes. With increased interest in human missions to Mars, understanding its climate and weather patterns has become more critical than ever. The latest research applied methodologies originally designed for studying Earth’s atmosphere to quantitatively assess the impact of GWs on Martian air circulation, offering a fresh perspective on planetary meteorology.
On Earth, large-scale atmospheric waves caused by the planet’s rotation, known as Rossby waves, play a primary role in driving air circulation within the stratosphere—the lower part of the middle atmosphere. However, as the new study reveals, Mars operates differently. The researchers found that gravity waves, rather than Rossby waves, dominate atmospheric circulation at mid and high latitudes in Mars’ middle atmosphere. Professor Kaoru Sato from the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo explained:
“Rossby waves are large-scale, or resolved, atmospheric waves that we can directly measure, whereas gravity waves are much finer, unresolved waves that must be inferred through indirect methods. Our study shows that on Mars, these smaller-scale waves have a dominant influence on air circulation patterns.”
Unlike gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by massive celestial events—atmospheric gravity waves are oscillations in air triggered by buoyancy forces. They occur when a pocket of air is displaced, causing an up-and-down oscillation as the atmosphere tries to restore balance. While GWs exist on Earth, their impact is far greater in Mars’ thin atmosphere.
Studying these waves on Mars has historically been difficult due to the limitations of observational data. However, the researchers overcame this challenge by using the Ensemble Mars Atmosphere Reanalysis System (EMARS) dataset, a comprehensive collection of space-based atmospheric observations spanning several years. This allowed them to analyze seasonal variations in Martian atmospheric circulation and uncover how GWs influence the planet’s meridional (north-south) air currents.
Graduate student Anzu Asumi, a key contributor to the study, emphasized the importance of these findings:
“We found something fascinating—gravity waves facilitate the rapid vertical transfer of angular momentum, significantly influencing north-south air circulation patterns in the middle atmosphere of Mars. This behavior more closely resembles what we see in Earth’s mesosphere rather than in our stratosphere, suggesting that existing Martian atmospheric models need to be refined to better account for these wave effects.”
This insight is particularly important for improving Martian climate and weather simulations, which could enhance mission planning for robotic and human exploration. Current atmospheric models for Mars may need adjustments to more accurately simulate how gravity waves impact air circulation, leading to better predictions of temperature, wind patterns, and potential dust storms.
The study also underscores the value of planetary comparisons in atmospheric science. Mars shares some fundamental similarities with Earth, such as its rotational speed and axial tilt, which affect its weather patterns. However, its atmosphere is vastly different—it is much thinner, composed primarily of carbon dioxide, and subject to extreme seasonal variations. By contrasting Earth’s and Mars’ atmospheres, scientists can refine their understanding of planetary weather systems, which may even lead to improvements in climate modeling for our own planet.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to investigate the impact of Martian dust storms on atmospheric circulation. Dust storms on Mars can range from localized events to massive planet-wide storms that last for months, significantly altering atmospheric conditions. Professor Sato elaborated on their next steps:
“So far, our analysis has focused on years without major dust storms. However, we suspect that these storms could intensify the role of gravity waves in circulation. Understanding these interactions will be crucial for forecasting Martian weather, which is essential for the success of future Mars missions.”
Future studies will explore how these storms reshape global atmospheric patterns, further improving our ability to predict weather conditions on Mars. These advancements bring scientists one step closer to developing accurate Martian weather forecasting, which will be essential for ensuring astronaut safety and mission success.
With continued advancements in space-based observations and atmospheric modeling, our understanding of Mars is rapidly evolving. Each new discovery brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries of Martian weather and climate, ensuring that when humans finally set foot on the Red Planet, they will be equipped with the knowledge needed to survive and thrive in its harsh environment.
More information: Climatology of the Residual Mean Circulation of the Martian Atmosphere and Contributions of Resolved and Unresolved Waves Based on a Reanalysis Dataset, Journal of Geophysical Research Planets (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2023JE008137