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#1 2008-01-11 13:46:38

JoshNH4H
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From: Pullman, WA
Registered: 2007-07-15
Posts: 2,564
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Re: Fines

What are the martian fines?  How big are they, what is their composition?  How much of a problem will they be for humans, machinery etc.


-Josh

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#2 2008-01-12 13:32:41

MarsRefresh
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From: Spokane, WA, USA
Registered: 2007-11-19
Posts: 48

Re: Fines

Well, I've read a bit about this and the finest material that gets lofted high into the atmosphere is the red dust that covers so much of the planet. From what I've read it is primarily iron oxides (60+%), particularly hematite (rust) with the fine grained consistency of talcum powder. Beneath the surface layer the soil seems to be mostly decomposed basalt (excellent soil on Earth). I read a lot about this in the newest edition of the Encyclopedia of the Solar System, but I'll check my facts next time I'm at the library.

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#3 2008-01-12 14:00:40

JoshNH4H
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From: Pullman, WA
Registered: 2007-07-15
Posts: 2,564
Website

Re: Fines

So that means that fines are almost wholly antiferromaggnetic, and also small enough to get through almost any opening?


-Josh

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#4 2008-01-13 08:51:41

MarsRefresh
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From: Spokane, WA, USA
Registered: 2007-11-19
Posts: 48

Re: Fines

An interesting point. Sounds like question for an expert, I know localized magnetic fields exist all over Mars. I also suspect that much of the dust is abrasive volcanic ash, like what many scientists suspect comprises Meduasa Fossae (if it isn't water ice glaciers). So seals should be watched and carefully maintained on a Mars mission.

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#5 2008-03-28 19:11:33

louis
Member
From: UK
Registered: 2008-03-24
Posts: 7,208

Re: Fines

Well obviously whatever they are, these fines have not been so fiendishly destructive as to prevent the Mars Rovers from  chugging around and they have plenty of moving parts.

That said, it will probably make sense for most industrial processes (lathes, metal pressing. moulding etc) to be conducted in a relatively dust free environment - probably in a surface inflatable.


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