SRE Visualization by Dr. Stephen Scheidt, Jan 21, 2026
The Surface Response Engine (SRE) visualizes how wind interacts with topography and surface roughness under different planetary atmospheres. Colors represent relative exposure and transport potential, not sediment flux.
Wind Direction
Sets the direction from which the wind is coming. The engine evaluates how each surface facet is oriented relative to that flow to determine whether it is sheltered or exposed.
Wind Speed (U₁₀)
Controls the strength of the forcing at ~10 m above ground. As it increases, exposed surfaces transition from weak response to active transport and erosion, while sheltered zones remain comparatively stable.
Interaction Length (K)
Defines the spatial scale over which topography influences flow. Small values emphasize microtopography; large values shift the response toward landform-scale control, simulating how the boundary layer “feels” terrain over distance.
Boundary Layer Modulation
Transitions from a nearly uniform regional wind field to a terrain-dominated boundary layer. At high values, slopes and margins behave as if they generate strong local pressure perturbations that reshape near-surface flow.
Roughness Weight (z₀ proxy)
Controls how strongly surface texture damps the flow. High roughness suppresses response even under strong winds, mimicking the energy loss imposed by blocky lava or coarse gravel.
Atmospheric Regime (Mars–Earth–Venus)
Adjusts how efficiently wind couples to the surface under different planetary conditions. Thin atmospheres require extreme winds to produce response; dense atmospheres generate strong effects even at low speeds.
Hillshade / Ortho Toggle
Switches between geometric context and surface texture. Hillshade emphasizes morphology and flow interaction with form; ortho emphasizes material contrasts and real surface patterns.