# Abalos Undae > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Abalos_Undae > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Abalos_Undae.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalos_Undae > Source revision: 1295075756 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Martian dune field Abalos Undae dunes at Abalos Scopuli, the scarp of *[Abalos Mensa](/source/Abalos_Mensa)*. The ice layers on the cap and [basal formations](/source/Basal_sliding) are also visible. The picture was taken by the [HiRISE](/source/HiRISE) camera on board the [Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter](/source/Mars_Reconnaissance_Orbiter) and was enhanced by [NASA](/source/NASA) in [RGB](/source/RGB) colour. **Abalos Undae** ([Latin](/source/Latin) for "Abalos Waves") is a [dune field](/source/Dune_field) on [Mars](/source/Mars) in the periphery of [Planum Boreum](/source/Planum_Boreum), the Martian North pole. It is one of the [officially named](/source/Classical_albedo_features_on_Mars) northern circumpolar dune fields, along with [Olympia](/source/Olympia_Undae), [Hyperboreae](/source/Hyperboreae_Undae), and [Siton Undae](/source/Siton_Undae), and also one of the densest of the region.[1][2] Its northernmost boundary is located in the southwest channel that separates the [Abalos Colles](/source/Abalos_Colles) formation from the main polar ice cap, and from there the dune field extends southwest all the way to the lowlands of [Vastitas Borealis](/source/Vastitas_Borealis).[2][3][4] It is theorised that the dunes of the Abalos field may have resulted from erosion of *[Rupes Tenuis](/source/Rupes_Tenuis)* ([Latin](/source/Latin_language): *Thin Cliff*), the polar [scarp](/source/Escarpment).[2][5] Its name was approved by the [International Astronomical Union](/source/International_Astronomical_Union) in 1988.[1] It extends from latitude 74.94°N to 82.2°N and from longitude 261.4°E to 283.03°E (76.97°W – 98.6°W). Its origin is located at classical [albedo feature](/source/Albedo_feature) with coordinates 72°N, 70°W and has a diameter of 442.74 km.[1] ## Location and formation characteristics [Stereographic projection](/source/Stereographic_projection) map showing the density distribution of dune fields in the Planum Boreum region. The grey regions are lower density fields. The four densest dune fields including Abalos Undae are shown in black. The [prime meridian](/source/Prime_meridian) is at the bottom of the map. Abalos Undae is the smaller black region at centre left, between longitude 261.4°E to 283.03°E (76.97°W – 98.6°W). Abalos Undae is a [dune field](/source/Dune_field) on [Mars](/source/Mars), in the periphery of Planum Boreum, the Martian north pole. It is a part of the northern circumpolar dune fields, along with Olympia, Hyperboreae, and Siton Undae, which are officially named after nearby [classical albedo features](/source/Classical_albedo_features_on_Mars).[2] It is located in the southwest channel that separates the Abalos Colles formation remnant from the main ice cap, and continues all the way to the channel's southern boundary.[2][4] The dunes of the Abalos field may have formed from erosion of *Rupes Tenuis*, the polar [scarp](/source/Escarpment).[2][5] Abalos Undae has its northernmost boundary in the neighbourhood of [Abalos Mensa](/source/Abalos_Mensa) and continues in a south-eastward direction after it emerges from the western end of a narrow channel separating Rupes Tenuis from Abalos Mensa.[3] Enhanced colour images obtained by the [High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment](/source/HiRISE) (HiRISE) camera on board the [Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter](/source/Mars_Reconnaissance_Orbiter) highlight the areas of the dunes where different materials are present.[2] The blue areas indicate the presence of dunes of [basaltic](/source/Basaltic) origin, while the light-colour areas are probably dust. The pictures are of sufficient resolution to show ripples on the dune surface.[2] The ripples are generated by winds, as are the dunes.[2] The dunes are considered stationary as a unit, with only small ripple movements present.[2] Similarly to the rest of the dune fields around the periphery of Planum Borealis, the Abalos dune field is considered to consist of [lag deposits](/source/Lag_deposit) resulting from the [ablation](/source/Ablation) of the sediment found in [basal units](/source/Basal_sliding).[4] The Abalos dune field is considered one of the densest dune fields in the northern circumpolar region of Mars. Other fields of similar density in the region include the Olympia, Hyperboreae, and Siton Undae.[6][7] The Abalos dune field consists of transverse dune linear sequences that, overall, form platforms of sand ranging from approximately 10 metres to 200 metres thickness.[6] Abalos Undae, along with Hyperboreae and Siton Undae, is a sand tributary to mostly medium-density sand fields located east of [Olympia Undae](/source/Olympia_Undae) and extending to the [prime meridian](/source/Prime_meridian) of Mars.[6] Image analysis, performed using the method of spectral derivatives, indicates that Abalos Undae, and the rest of the densest dunes fields in the periphery of Planum Borealis, Olympia Undae and Hyperboreae Undae, show the highest [pixel density](/source/Pixel_density) indicating the presence of [gypsum](/source/Gypsum).[7] The gypsum of Abalos Undae may be eroding due to scouring action by substrates of bedrock involved in plains formation.[6] ## Images by HiRISE and THEMIS - Abalos Undae at Abalos Scopuli, the scarp of [Abalos Mensa](/source/Abalos_Mensa) - Gypsum deposits in the dunes of Abalos Undae map-projected in IRB colour - Dunes in Abalos Undae. The blue areas indicate the presence of dunes of basaltic origin, while the light-colour areas are probably dust. - Gypsum deposits in the dunes of Abalos Undae - Dunes in Abalos Undae - The dunes of Abalos Undae with gypsum deposits map-projected in RGB colour - The dunes of Abalos Undae with gypsum deposits map-projected in IRB colour with scale - The dunes of Abalos Undae with gypsum deposits map-projected in IRB colour - North Polar Scarp in Abalos Undae with Basal Exposure and Dunes map-projected in RGB colour and distance scale - North Polar Scarp in Abalos Undae with Basal Exposure and Dunes in black and white - North Polar Scarp in Abalos Undae with Basal Exposure and Dunes in black and white with scale - North Polar Scarp in Abalos Undae with Basal Exposure and Dunes in black and white - Abalos Undae dunes and crater - The edge of the dark dunes of Abalos Undae shown just below the polar scarp and cap - Abalos Undae dunes with brightness adjusted ## See also - [Classical albedo features on Mars](/source/Classical_albedo_features_on_Mars) - [Hagal dune field](/source/Hagal_dune_field) - [Nili Patera dune field](/source/Nili_Patera_dune_field) - [Hyperboreae Undae](/source/Hyperboreae_Undae) - [Aspledon Undae](/source/Aspledon_Undae) - [Ogygis Undae](/source/Ogygis_Undae) ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-USGS_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-USGS_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-USGS_1-2) ["Abalos Undae"](https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/5?__fsk=-1259906441). *Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature*. [USGS](/source/USGS). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-hirise.lpl_2-9) Kate Fishbaugh (19 November 2008). ["Dunes in Abalos Undae"](https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_010219_2785). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Icarus_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Icarus_3-1) Kenneth L. Tanaka; J. Alexis P. Rodriguez; James A. Skinner Jr; Mary C. Bourke; Corey M. Fortezzo; Kenneth E. Herkenhoff; Eric J. Kolb; Chris H. Okubo (28 February 2008). ["North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235137809). *Icarus*. **196** (2): 318–358. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2008Icar..196..318T](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2008Icar..196..318T). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.icarus.2008.01.021](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.icarus.2008.01.021). Retrieved 25 August 2017. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Icarus(2008)_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Icarus(2008)_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Icarus(2008)_4-2) Niels Hovius; Andrew Lea-Cox; Jens M. Turowski (29 May 2008). ["Recent volcano–ice interaction and outburst flooding in a Mars polar cap re-entrant"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223390157). *Icarus*. **197** (197): 24–38. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2008Icar..197...24H](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2008Icar..197...24H). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.icarus.2008.04.020](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.icarus.2008.04.020). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NASAimage_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NASAimage_5-1) [NASA](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages/details.php?id=PIA20607) quote: "Today's image location is slightly east of Monday's image. In this image the polar scarp (called Tenuis Rupes) bisects the image. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Tanaka_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Tanaka_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Tanaka_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Tanaka_6-3) K. L. Tanaka; R. K. Hayward (2008). [*Mars’ North Circum-Polar Dunes: Distribution, Sources, and Migration History*](http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/dunes2008/pdf/7012.pdf) (PDF). Planetary Dunes Workshop: A Record of Climate Change. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Earth_and_Planetary_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Earth_and_Planetary_7-1) M. Massé; O. Bourgeois; S. Le Mouélic; C. Verpoorter; A. Spiga; L. Le Deit (2012). "Wide distribution and glacial origin of polar gypsum on Mars". *Earth and Planetary Science Letters*. 317–318: 44–45. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2012E&PSL.317...44M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012E&PSL.317...44M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.epsl.2011.11.035](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.epsl.2011.11.035). ## External links - [HiRISE entry for North Polar Scarp in Abalos Undae with Basal Exposure and Dunes](https://www.uahirise.org/ESP_034500_2620) v t e Geography and geology of Mars Cartography Regions Abalos Undae Aspledon Undae Arabia Terra Cerberus Cydonia Eridania Lake Hyperboreae Undae Ogygis Undae Olympia Undae Planum Australe Planum Boreum Quadrangles Sinus Meridiani Siton Undae Tempe Terra Terra Cimmeria Terra Sabaea Tharsis Vastitas Borealis Quadrangles Aeolis Amazonis Amenthes Arabia Arcadia Argyre Casius Cebrenia Coprates Diacria Elysium Eridania Hellas Iapygia Ismenius Lacus Lunae Palus Mare Acidalium Mare Australe (South Pole) Mare Boreum (North Pole) Mare Tyrrhenum Margaritifer Sinus Memnonia Noachis Oxia Palus Phaethontis Phoenicis Lacus Sinus Sabaeus Syrtis Major Tharsis Thaumasia Geology Surface features Brain terrain Carbonates Chaos terrain Color Composition Concentric crater fill Dark slope streak Dichotomy Dune fields Hagal Nili Patera Fretted terrain Geysers Glaciers Groundwater Gullies Inverted relief Lakes Lava tubes Lineated valley fill (LVF) Lobate debris apron North Polar Basin Ocean hypothesis Ore resources Outflow channels Polar caps Ring mold craters Rootless cones Scalloped topography Seasonal flows Soil Spherules Surface Swiss cheese features Terrain softening Tholus Upper plains unit Valley networks Water discovery chronology Yardangs History Amazonian Hesperian Noachian Volcanology Observation history Canals (list) Classical albedo features Rocks observed Curiosity rover Bathurst Inlet Coronation Goulburn Hottah Jake Matijevic Link Rocknest Rocknest 3 Tintina Opportunity rover Bounce El Capitan Last Chance Sojourner rover Barnacle Bill Yogi Spirit rover Adirondack Home Plate Mimi Pot of Gold Viking Big Joe Other Face Monolith Meteorites found on Mars Block Island Heat Shield Mackinac Island Meridiani Planum Oileán Ruaidh Shelter Island Martian meteorites found on Earth Balsaltic Breccia Chassignites Nakhlites Shergottites Other List Topography Mountains, volcanoes (list by height) Acidalia Colles Alba Mons Anseris Mons Apollinaris Mons Ariadnes Colles Astapus Colles Ausonia Montes Avernus Colles Biblis Tholus Centauri Montes Charitum Montes Echus Montes Elysium Elysium Mons Albor Tholus Hecates Tholus Erebus Montes Galaxius Mons Hadriacus Mons Hellas Montes Jovis Tholus Libya Montes Mount Sharp Nereidum Montes Olympus Mons Phlegra Montes Syrtis Major Planum Tartarus Colles Tartarus Montes Tharsis Montes Ascraeus Pavonis Arsia Tharsis Tholus Tyrrhenus Mons Ulysses Tholus Uranius group Uranius Mons Ceraunius Tholus Uranius Tholus Plains, plateaus Acidalia Planitia Aeolis Palus Amazonis Planitia Arcadia Planitia Argentea Planum Argyre Planitia Chryse Planitia Daedalia Planum Elysium Planitia Eridania Planitia Hellas Planitia Hesperia Planum Icaria Planum Isidis Planitia Lunae Planum Meridiani Planum Oxia 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rupes, labyrinthi Amenthes Fossae Ceraunius Fossae Cerberus Fossae Coloe Fossae Cyane Fossae Elysium Fossae Hephaestus Fossae Icaria Fossae Labeatis Fossae Mangala Fossa Mareotis Fossae Medusae Fossae Memnonia Fossae Nili Fossae Olympica Fossae Oti Fossae Sirenum Fossae Tantalus Fossae Tempe Fossae Tithonium Fossae Tractus Fossae Ulysses Fossae Aeolis Mensae Ausonia Mensa Capri Mensa Cydonia Mensae Deuteronilus Mensae Ganges Mensa Nilosyrtis Mensae Protonilus Mensae Sacra Mensa Claritas Rupes Nilokeras Scopulus Olympus Rupes Rupes Tenuis Angustus Labyrinthus Noctis Labyrinthus Catenae, craters Artynia Catena Tithoniae Catenae Tractus Catena Adams Agassiz Airy Airy-0 Aniak Antoniadi Arandas Argo Arkhangelsky Arrhenius Asimov Bacolor Bakhuysen Baldet Baltisk Bamberg Barabashov Barnard Beagle Becquerel Beer Belz Bernard Bianchini Boeddicker Bok Bond Bonestell Bonneville Brashear Briault Burroughs Burton Campbell Canso Cassini Caxias Cerulli Chafe Chapais Chincoteague Chryse Alien Clark Coblentz Columbus Copernicus Corby Crewe Crivitz Crommelin Cruls Curie Da Vinci Danielson Darwin Davies Dawes Dejnev Denning Dilly Dinorwic Douglass Dromore Du Martheray Eagle (Acidalia Planitia) Eagle (Meridiani Planum) Eberswalde Eddie Ejriksson Emma Dean Endeavour Matijevic Hill Endurance Erebus Escalante Eudoxus Fenagh Fesenkov Firsoff Flammarion Flaugergues Focas Fontana Fournier Fram Freedom Galdakao Gale Galle Garni Gasa Gilbert Gill Gledhill Gold Graff Green Grindavik Gusev Apollo 1 Hills Chaffee Grissom White Columbia Hills Husband McCool Sleepy Hollow Hadley Haldane Hale Halley Hargraves Hartwig Heaviside Heimdal Heinlein Helmholtz Henry Herschel Hipparchus Holden Holmes Hooke Huggins Hussey Hutton Huxley Huygens Iazu Ibragimov Inuvik Janssen Jarry-Desloges Jeans Jezero Jezža Joly Jones Kaiser Keeler Kepler Kinkora Kipini Knobel Koga Korolev Kufra Kuiper Kunowsky Lambert Lamont Lampland Lassell Lau Le Verrier Li Fan Liais Lipik Liu Hsin Llanesco Lockyer Lod Lohse Lomonosov 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Vinogradov Vinogradsky Virrat Vishniac Vogel Von Kármán Vostok Wallace Wegener Weinbaum Wells Williams Winslow Wirtz Wislicenus Wright Yuty Zumba Zunil [Portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents/Portals): - [Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Solar_System) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Abalos Undae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalos_Undae) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalos_Undae?action=history)). 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