Statistical distribution of atmospheric dust devils

Theoretical predictions with regard to dust devil (apparent) angular size–frequency distribution are made and critically compared with Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit optical observations. For an idealized horizontal viewing geometry one should expect that the number of dust devils having the apparent angular diameter greater than a given angle α is inversely proportional to α squared. The actual dependency for Spirit dust devils is in between the inverse-squared and simple inverse laws, and close to the latter one for small and moderate angles α. It is emphasized that such a comparison can be considered as a benchmark for completeness and adequateness of dust-devil optical observations and correctness of competing analytical formulations for dust devil size–frequency distribution.

► Predicts “minus 2” cumulative distribution for dust devil’s apparent size, in idealized conditions.
► Critically compares the predicted and the actual distribution for MER Spirit dust devils on Mars.
► Proposes this method for assessing the completeness of future dust-devil optical observations.