Isolating Martian dust devils, dust storms, and water ice clouds through multi-satellite observations

Airborne dust and water ice clouds are the two major atmospheric constituents on Mars that have the most dynamic impact on its atmosphere. Airborne dust strongly alters atmospheric temperatures, therefore significantly impacting Martian weather and climate. Martian water ice clouds also have radiative impacts (both direct and via dust cycle feedbacks) and provide insight into the Martian water cycle and important questions about habitability and life. Satellite observations spanning more than two decades play a pivotal role in understanding the meteorological processes associated with airborne dust and water ice clouds on Mars. Therefore, this study reviews dust devils, dust storms, and water ice clouds with the help of imaging observations made by the sensors onboard different Mars orbiters. We discuss their characteristics, correlations, and inter-annual variation in general, in order to help support modeling and forecasting. The vertical distribution of dust and water ice and their dynamical, microphysical, and radiative interactions need more attention as well. The aim is to predict the thermal behavior of the atmosphere accurately, considering the complex interplay of dust and water ice forcing with temperature.