Minimum Aeolian Particle Threshold on Mars

Computer Science

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Aeolian Threshold, Mars: Dust, Saltation, Wind Tunnel

Scientific paper

Dust storms on Mars have long been known to exist. Theoretical predictions and previous wind-tunnel tests conducted at equivalent Martian pressure predict higher threshold wind speeds than were observed by the Viking Landers. We have carried out new preliminary wind-tunnel tests that suggest 10 micron-sized silt particles' threshold is strongly a function of aerodynamic "conditioning" of the surface and the state of the atmospheric stability (i.e., unstable or stable). The threshold wind speeds at a height of one meter ranged from a low of 34 m/s (U(sub)*T = 1.5 m/s) for an unconditioned surface and unstable atmosphere to a high of 85 m/s (U(sub)*T = 3.8 m/s) for a "conditioned" surface and neutral atmosphere. The conditioning refers to the level of compaction the surface has obtained. An "unconditioned" surface represents newly deposited particles that have aerodynamically settled onto an existing surface. A conditioned surface is one that has undergone several cycles of wind speed above and below threshold condition without having additional particles settling on the surface.

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