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Thanks very much for providing the article. To quote from the discussion section:

"We are left with the least unlikely hypothesis that the gradual erosion is produced by dust devils, perhaps concentrating rather than removing the dust. "

There is no mention of newly exposed mineral deposits being eroded and distributed, etc.

While I will concede that there exists the possibility of some other mechanism for an increase in dust deposits (via dust devils), until someone can provide a more logical explanation, I can only assume it was due to increased wind activity.

If there was increased wind activity, then I can only assume it was due to more energy input into the Martian climate.

If there was no sudden volcanic activity, significant increase in meteor strikes, or other reason for this increase in energy input, then I can only assume that it came from the sun... After all, the increase in energy has to come from *somewhere*.

Also, public consensus on science is hardly a wise thing to base policy on - And scientists themselves have held wildly erroneous ideas up as "consensus" (e.g. the sun was thought in the 1800's to be fueled by coal), many do so until there is no way to defend their position without seeming ridiculous.

Again, we may have to agree to disagree (at least until more is known).