Winds on Mars are significantly faster than previously believed, according to new research led by the University of Bern.

The study shows that dust devils, rotating columns of dust and air, can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, far exceeding earlier surface measurements.

The findings, published in Science Advances, are based on more than 50,000 satellite images analysed using deep learning techniques. Researchers used data from two European Space Agency orbiters, Mars Express and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, to track the movement of dust devils across the planet.

Lead author Dr Valentin Bickel said the study marks the first time wind speeds have been measured globally over a two-decade period. “These strong, straight-line winds are very likely to bring a considerable amount of dust into the Martian atmosphere—much more than previously assumed,” he said.

The research has implications for future missions to Mars, with scientists now able to model atmospheric and surface conditions more accurately. Co-author Daniela Tirsch of the German Aerospace Center said the findings will help assess risks and improve planning for landers and rovers.

The team plans to continue monitoring dust devils using coordinated observations from ESA’s orbiters, with the goal of improving climate models and mission design.