FastFind »   Lastname: doi:10.1029/ Year: Advanced Search  

AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Keywords

  • Mars
  • tribo-electrification
  • saltation

Index Terms

  • Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars
  • Atmospheric Processes: Atmospheric electricity
  • Atmospheric Processes: Boundary layer processes
  • Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Ion chemistry of the atmosphere
  • Electromagnetics: Plasmas

Abstract

Electrification of wind-blown sand on Mars and its implications for atmospheric chemistry

Jasper F. Kok

Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Nilton O. Renno

Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Wind-blown sand, or ‘saltation,’ creates sand dunes, erodes geological features, and could be a significant source of dust aerosols on Mars. Moreover, the electrification of sand and dust in saltation, dust storms, and dust devils could produce electric discharges and affect atmospheric chemistry. We present the first calculations of electric fields in martian saltation, using a numerical model of saltation that includes sand electrification, plasma physics, and the adsorption of ions and electrons onto particulates. Our results indicate that electric discharges do not occur in martian saltation. Moreover, we find that the production of hydrogen peroxide and the dissociation of methane by electric fields are less significant than previously thought. Both these species are highly relevant to studies of past and present life on Mars.

Received 15 November 2008; accepted 22 January 2009; published 11 March 2009.

Citation: Kok, J. F., and N. O. Renno (2009), Electrification of wind-blown sand on Mars and its implications for atmospheric chemistry, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L05202, doi:10.1029/2008GL036691.

Cited By

Please wait one moment ...