Part 6/7:
Researchers from the University of Colorado have made strides towards understanding these storm events, which pose a major challenge for equipment and human safety. Notably, these storms do not reach the power level of tornadoes or hurricanes but still present considerable risks. For instance, in 2018, a massive dust storm rendered NASA's Opportunity rover inoperative by obstructing its solar panels.
Utilizing data from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists have identified that a sudden spike in surface temperature often precedes these significant storms. The heating of the surface destabilizes the atmosphere layers just above, making it easier for dust particles to be lifted, creating storm conditions.