Measurement of Mars Dust Particle Size and Electrostatic Charge Distributions Using the E-SPART AnalyzerThere are strong indications that dust is of great importance on Mars. Dust appears to have both long-term effects on the surface geologic evolution as well as on the aeolian processes in the present climate conditions. Early spacecraft missions confirmed hypotheses from telescopic work that changes observed in the planet s surface markings are caused by wind-driven redistribution of dust. Suspended dust is known to alter the atmospheric thermal structure and circulation as well as to obscure our ability for remote observation of the planet s surface, especially during the occasional development of larger, planet-encircling dust storms which occur on average once every three Martian years.
Document ID
20030111286
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mazumder, M. K. (Arkansas Univ. Little Rock, AR, United States)
Biris, A. S. (Arkansas Univ. Little Rock, AR, United States)
Trigwell, S. (Arkansas Univ. Little Rock, AR, United States)
Calle, C. I. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Buhler, C. R. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)