Comparative analysis of the morphodynamics of talus slopes on Earth and Mars

Abstract We performed an analysis of two talus slopes developed on Earth (Lanzarote and King George Island) and two on Mars (Terra Sabaea and Dacono craters) using remote sensing images. Visible boulders were manually vectorized in ArcGIS along talus transects. We obtained information on the angle of natural repose on each talus, and inferred the predominant transport mode and the activity of mass wasting. Temporal changes of these traces were determined based on images from 2008 to 2019. The effectiveness of the method used to analyse talus morphodynamics is described, and directions for further developments are indicated. Based on the analysis of vegetation (on Earth) and boulder paths and aeolian processes (on Mars), the talus slopes were assessed as active. The angle of natural repose is greater on Earth (28.0°–33.4°) than on Mars (16.7°–24.7°) but similar transportation modes occur on both planets (bouncing, rolling and sliding).