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AGU: Journal of Geophysical Research, Planets

 

Keywords

  • Mars
  • gullies
  • liquid water
  • viscosity
  • ferric sulfate
  • numerical modeling

Index Terms

  • Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Mars
  • Planetary Sciences: Comets and Small Bodies: Erosion and weathering
  • Planetary Sciences: Comets and Small Bodies: Surfaces
  • Geochemistry: Geochemical modeling
  • Hydrology: Debris flow and landslides
Abstract
Cited By (5)
 

Abstract

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 114, E06001, 11 PP., 2009
doi:10.1029/2009JE003376

Viscosity of liquid ferric sulfate solutions and application to the formation of gullies on Mars

Vincent F. Chevrier

W. M. Keck Laboratory for Space and Planetary Simulation, Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

Richard Ulrich

W. M. Keck Laboratory for Space and Planetary Simulation, Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

Travis S. Altheide

W. M. Keck Laboratory for Space and Planetary Simulation, Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

We studied the viscosity of ferric sulfate Fe2(SO4)3 solutions as a model for low-temperature liquids on the surface of Mars and their implication in the formation of gullies. Viscosity varies with temperature and concentration, ranging from 7.0 × 10−3 Pa s for 38.8 wt % at 285.15 K to 4.6 Pa s for 58.2 wt % at 260.15 K. Using the experimental results, we built a semiempirical equation of viscosity as a function of temperature and salt concentration, which was combined with a numerical model to estimate the effect of these solutions on the formation of gullies. Calculated fluid velocities ranged from 0.5 to 14 m s−1, in accordance with estimates from image analyses. Turbulent flow occurs in the majority of the conditions and is characterized by a constant velocity (∼8.5 m s−1). At very low temperature and high concentration, the laminar regime shows reduced velocities (down to ∼0.5 m s−1). In between, a transitional regime presents high velocities, up to 14 m s−1. Using the velocities, we determined the size threshold for boulders to be moved by the liquid flow. Depending on the regime, boulders of diameter inferior to 3 m (turbulent), 4 m (transition), and down to 0.5 m (laminar) are displaced. Since laminar flow occurs only in an extremely limited range of conditions, for low temperatures (<240 K) and supersaturated solutions, the abundance of small boulders (∼0.5 m) in gully channels requires lower velocities and higher viscosities than ferric sulfate solution or any other water-based liquid can reach. This suggests an important participation of debris mixed with the liquid phase.

Received 11 March 2009; accepted 19 March 2009; published 3 June 2009.

Citation: Chevrier, V. F., R. Ulrich, and T. S. Altheide (2009), Viscosity of liquid ferric sulfate solutions and application to the formation of gullies on Mars, J. Geophys. Res., 114, E06001, doi:10.1029/2009JE003376.

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