Martian Dune Mystery Solved By Bouncing Sand Grains
Grossman, L. “Martian Dune Mystery Solved by Bouncing Sand Grains.” Wired –Science. February 11, 2010. From http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/02/martian-dune-mystery-solved-by-bouncing-sand-grains/
The planet Mars have perplexed many scientists for many reasons. It is known that the atmosphere on Mars is very thin so it does not have the weather or the wind-blown erosions like we do. Because of this fact, it is a mystery how some of Mar’s landscape was transformed. Recently, scientists have discovered how a particular sandy surface known as Barchan dunes was formed. The study found that the formation of sand dunes and ripples that are normally formed by winds.
In fact, when Mars atmosphere experiences any winds, the sand grains are flown until they are dropped to the surface. Take golfing for example. What happens when you swing a golf ball in the air and it lands on sand? It causes a ripple effect. Once the particles or sand grains are in the air, they increase in speed so when they land, it actually “slams” itself on the surface. Thus, over period of time, the sand grains had made dunes from these impacts. However, these sand grains do not need a lot of winds on Mars for saltation – a process formed by sand particles taking short wind-borne hops.
This study had concluded how some of its sand dunes are formed but there are several other mysteries of Mars yet to be discovered.
Showing posts with label MARS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MARS. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Science Article #3
Stereo Speakers Can Levitate Dust for Mars Colonists
Ghose, T. “Stereo Speakers Can Levitate Dust for Mars Colonists”. Wired Science. January 30, 2010.
Retrieved January 30, 2010 from
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/acoustic-levitation-of-mars-dust/#ixzz0e9ke8xEH
One of the reasons for colonization for both Mars and the Moon hasn’t happened is because of dust. There is little to no atmosphere on both planets so dusts tend to be a problem. The problem lies in its abrasiveness because it is sharp like a tiny broken glass. It does not wear down into a less abrasive similar to the ones we have on earth. Also, the solar winds and UV radiation can cause electrostatic clinging of dust particles on everything from solar panels, space suits, equipments and vehicles. This would cause a faster wear and tear on these objects, which could really mean life or death in this unforgiving terrain.
There is a way to tackle this dilemma. By using sound waves similar to the ones coming from speakers, it can levitate dust particles off objects or surfaces. This technique is called acoustic levitation or acoustic “dustbuster”. It has been done before on a mock Martian and Moon landscape. The solar panels were covered in dust and the acoustic dustbuster had eliminated the dust particles enough for the solar panels to produce at almost maximum output.
However, there is one problem. This technique only works when there is an atmosphere because only sound waves can travel through air. Again, the planet Mars and the Moon have no little to no air therefore the acoustic levitation would not work. The only way it would work is if it is under pressurized and sealed environment.
Ghose, T. “Stereo Speakers Can Levitate Dust for Mars Colonists”. Wired Science. January 30, 2010.
Retrieved January 30, 2010 from
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/acoustic-levitation-of-mars-dust/#ixzz0e9ke8xEH
One of the reasons for colonization for both Mars and the Moon hasn’t happened is because of dust. There is little to no atmosphere on both planets so dusts tend to be a problem. The problem lies in its abrasiveness because it is sharp like a tiny broken glass. It does not wear down into a less abrasive similar to the ones we have on earth. Also, the solar winds and UV radiation can cause electrostatic clinging of dust particles on everything from solar panels, space suits, equipments and vehicles. This would cause a faster wear and tear on these objects, which could really mean life or death in this unforgiving terrain.
There is a way to tackle this dilemma. By using sound waves similar to the ones coming from speakers, it can levitate dust particles off objects or surfaces. This technique is called acoustic levitation or acoustic “dustbuster”. It has been done before on a mock Martian and Moon landscape. The solar panels were covered in dust and the acoustic dustbuster had eliminated the dust particles enough for the solar panels to produce at almost maximum output.
However, there is one problem. This technique only works when there is an atmosphere because only sound waves can travel through air. Again, the planet Mars and the Moon have no little to no air therefore the acoustic levitation would not work. The only way it would work is if it is under pressurized and sealed environment.
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