QUESTION:
If Mars is famous for its thin atmosphere and low air pressure than how is
it possible for the Martian dust storms to be so violent and rough?

ANSWER from Bob Haberle on July 13, 1998:
Good question. To make up for the thinness of its atmosphere, winds must get
very strong to lift dust off the surface. Theortical estimates suggests
winds as strong as 100 mph near the surface are required. So is this
possible? Models of Martian winds systems say yes - occasionally. But we
really need to have a network of weather stations to be sure.

Robert M. Haberle
NASA/Ames Research Center