Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

tahanson43206 · 2025-11-13 10:34:32

For SpaceNut ... we have several topics that included the word "dust" in the title. None seemed a good fit for this new topic.

This topic is inspired by recent work of Calliban and kbd512 which focused upon the interesting properties of basalt.

Dust - Mars dust - Moon dust - Earth Dust Engineering Response by tahanson43206
Science, Technology, and Astronomy 17 2025-10-12 14:10:08 by tahanson43206
Perchlorates and Martian Dust by JohnX
Life support systems 18 2025-03-27 11:31:08 by Void
Cosmic Dust by Void
Science, Technology, and Astronomy 3 2024-03-03 14:44:31 by Void
Regolith Dust as Propellant for Large Ship by Calliban
Interplanetary transportation 1 2024-01-09 10:59:29 by tahanson43206
Ground Effect Transport on Mars - Hovercraft - Let there be Dust by tahanson43206
Planetary transportation 3 2023-09-10 12:40:34 by tahanson43206
Dust storms - don't panic! by louis [ 1 2 ]
Human missions 34 2023-04-09 20:10:56 by SpaceNut
Dust Dams harnessing the flow of Sandstorms of Mars? by Mars_B4_Moon
Life support systems 1 2022-05-26 00:14:59 by SpaceNut
Cooling Venus using Lunar dust by Antius
Terraformation 4 2015-08-19 18:34:28 by Void
Pages:1

The theme I offer for this topic is the idea of laying thin plates of processed Regolith over the entire planet surface, where winds currently pick up dust and create dust storms. There is no positive value to the current dust distribution system. There are distinct negative impacts of the currently unregulated natural systems.

It would certainly be possible to mitigate dust transport by covering the entire surface of Mars with thin plates/tiles of processed Regolith. However, perhaps it is not necessary to cover the entire surface. I'm wondering if there might be a mathematical solution that says that some fraction of the surface is all that is needed to prevent formation of the kinds of dust transport currently seen on Mars.

(th)

tahanson43206 · 2025-11-13 10:38:47

This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members.

There may not be any. This topic is NOT likely to fire the imaginations of our membership, let alone non-member readers.

It would take an army of robotic solar powered regolith-to-tile manufacturing machines, and they would spend Martian years making enough tile to make a difference in weather on Mars. However, this is a form of environment modification that seems doable with existing technology.

However, just in case, here is the index structure:

Index:
Post #3: kbd512 comparing Martian dust to Lunar dust, with observations about matter suspended in Mars atmosphere
https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.ph … 37#p235437
Post #6: Artificial Lichen

(th)

kbd512 · 2025-11-13 12:09:51

tahanson43206,

While the lunar surface is almost devoid of atmosphere, even the very thin wispy atmosphere of Mars is sufficient to hold a significant amount of dust in suspension. We could "pave over" the entire planet, but unless we construct a planetary-scale air filter, that suspended dust is still going to be there. There ought to be less dust afterwards, but without building and operating that air filter, all the dust already in the atmosphere is never going away. You may not experience dust storms that blot out the Sun, but that's the extent of what paving over the entire planet could achieve. Be that as it may, there's one guaranteed way to remove dust from the Martian atmosphere- evaporating enough water vapor to trap more heat from the Sun and cause precipitation. That's how entrained dust gets removed from Earth's atmosphere.

What you proposed should work for the moon, until the next significant asteroid strike, and then we're right back to square one. Why does the moon have so much fine abrasive powder all over its surface?... It's the natural result of all those asteroid strikes through the ages, but no significant atmosphere or liquid water to cause weathering.

We have to learn how to engineer-around this problem.

Calliban · 2025-11-13 21:22:26

Teraforming would provide a solution here. If Mars is warmer and has an active hydrosphere, then the fines that are currently being blown about would end up as clay minerals in sediments. If Mars had a large sea anywhere on its surface, it would tend to eat up this dust, because dust could enter the sea, but would have no way of leaving once it did. It would tend to settle as mud at the bottom. But the atmosphere is too thin at present and temperatures too cold to allow a sea to form anywhere on Mars.

Last edited by Calliban (2025-11-13 21:23:55)

tahanson43206 · 2025-11-14 07:50:10

For kbd512 re Post #3

Thank you for support of the concept for the Lunar surface.

Your observation about dust in the atmosphere of Mars is helpful for planning. It seems possible that dust settles out naturally on Mars, because it seems as though visibility improves over time after the windy season. However, there must be some ultra fine dust in the atmosphere long after winds have subsided. Calliban's suggestion of aqueous precipitation for cleaning the atmosphere is certainly attractive for a time when the water budget allows it.

In another topic Calliban ** just ** wrote about epoxy that might be used to join bricks on Mars. It might be possible to spray epoxy of some kind over the surface of open spaces on Mars to hold the surface dust in place when winds arrive, as they do each Martian year as the seasons advance. The advantage might be that the surface could be given resistance to wind erosion without injury to the visual aesthetic of the surface. There are some humans who might like to see the natural surface of Mars preserved. A layer of tiles would NOT be equivalent to the surface that is present now. However, kbd512's observation about dust carried in the atmosphere after storms subside does lead to a possible solution, because eventually most such carried dust would precipitate out on it's own, and the tiles would then be covered by a new thin layer of ultrafine dust.

The tracks of human rovers on Mars may be instructive, to determine the amount of dust that moves naturally on the Martian surface. I presume that the tracks will eventually become less and less identifiable, as Martian years pass and dust flows on the surface due to wind, or precipitates out of the atmosphere when conditions permit.

(th)

tahanson43206 · 2025-11-14 07:57:03

This post is about an artificial plant that might be designed to "live" on the surface of Mars. This "plant" would derive power from the Sun via photosynthesis or one of it's relatives, and it would construct extensions of itself on the Martian surface by creating structures of the material found on the surface. A "seed" would consist of a structure that has sufficient capability to collect power and to make more extrusions. Eventually such a device should grow to cover the entire surface of Mars.

The process would take a long time, because the Sun's rays at Mars are so weak compared to Earth.

This artificial plant might be designed to reflect certain wavelengths of light, at the expense of taking longer to spread. The reflected light need not necessarily be green, although that is certainly a possibility.

(th)

NewMarsMember · 2025-11-14 08:09:24

This post is a follow up to #6...

the plant described in #6 is similar to the plant called "lichen" on Earth, except that it would be designed to NOT require water. It might be designed to use CO2 instead of water (somehow?).

Lichens survive extreme environments through their symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria, which allows them to withstand desiccation, extreme temperatures, and high radiation. They go dormant during harsh conditions, can perform photosynthesis at sub-zero temperatures, and absorb water directly from the atmosphere. Lichens are also vital primary producers in harsh ecosystems and are highly sensitive to air pollution. Survival mechanisms Symbiosis: The fungus provides structure, moisture, and protection, while the algae or cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis to provide food.Dormancy: Lichens can enter a dormant state, called cryptobiosis, that lasts for years, allowing them to survive long periods without water or extreme temperatures.Desiccation tolerance: They can completely dry out and remain inactive, reviving quickly when moisture becomes available.Cold tolerance: Some lichens can photosynthesize even when frozen at temperatures as low as \(-20^{\circ }C\).Radiation resistance: Many lichens have secondary metabolites that act as UV filters, protecting them from intense ultraviolet radiation.Water absorption: They can absorb water directly from the atmosphere, especially from a saturated atmosphere or snow cover. Ecological importance Primary colonizers: Lichens are often the first organisms to colonize bare rock, breaking it down and contributing to soil formation.Nutrient source: They provide a food source for some herbivores in harsh environments.Oxygen production: They are significant producers of oxygen in areas where plants cannot grow. Sensitivity to pollution Bioindicators: Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution, as they absorb and accumulate pollutants from the atmosphere, making them excellent bioindicators of air quality.Pollutant accumulation: They can accumulate heavy metals, sulfur dioxide (\(SO_{2}\)), nitrogen dioxide (\(NO_{2}\)), and ozone, which can be detrimental to their survival. Lichens - Australian Antarctic ProgramDec 5, 2021 — Adaptations. Lichens have adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynt...Australian Antarctic ProgramLichen (Organism) - an overview | ScienceDirect TopicsLichens are defined as a symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic organism (phycobiont), such as a ...ScienceDirect.comAn Introduction to LichensLichens can survive severe conditions because they can withstand drying. The lack of water interrupts photosynthesis. In this susp...New York Botanical GardenShow allAn Introduction to LichensLichens can survive severe conditions because they can withstand drying. The lack of water interrupts photosynthesis. In this susp...New York Botanical GardenLichens: hardy organisms warn of pollution and climate change | Science | The GuardianDec 17, 2018 — Lichens are strange organisms that are a partnership between an alga or cyanobacterium and fungi. They have some plant...The GuardianLichens - Australian Antarctic ProgramDec 5, 2021 — Adaptations. Lichens have adaptations that enable them to survive in Antarctica. They are able to exhibit net photosynt...Australian Antarctic ProgramLichen (Organism) - an overview | ScienceDirect TopicsLichens are defined as a symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic organism (phycobiont), such as a ...ScienceDirect.comLichens and Health—Trends and Perspectives for the Study of ...Mar 3, 2025 — Most lichens are extremely tolerant to desiccation and low temperatures, surviving for months to years in a state of cr...National Institutes of Health (.gov)Survival Strategies of Lichen - Schlitz Audubon Nature CenterMay 16, 2021 — In places where true plants cannot survive, lichens are a huge contributor of oxygen to the atmosphere. This may be im...Schlitz Audubon Nature CenterLichen - NASA Earth ObservatoryLichens are unlike any other organism on earth. Their structure is unique: a symbiosis of two organisms — a fungus and algae. Lich...NASA Earth Observatory (.gov)Nature and pollution: what lichens tell us about toxic airTo grow, lichens get their nutrients from the air. Because lichens have no roots or protective surface, they can't filter what the...Natural History MuseumLichens are extremely resilient organismsNov 25, 2019 — Lichens are extremely resilient organisms. They are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae or cyanobac...Seacoastonline.comLichens as effective bioindicators for monitoring environmental changesLichens enable us to monitor the long-term accumulation of contaminants as pollutants accumulate within them. They are the most su...ScienceDirect.comHow Lichens Adapt To Protect Themselves From Harsh Conditions | Technology NetworksJun 6, 2022 — Lichens are organisms that are a symbiosis of a fungus, unicellular algae, and/or cyanobacteria. They are the first to ...Technology NetworksAbout Lichens - Forest Service - USDAAnother important function of lichens is that they provide a mode of survival in harsh environments where algae cannot normally su...US Forest Service (.gov)The Life of LichenApr 21, 2021 — and these multifilamentous lichens may appear as little beards hanging from tree branches. especially after a rain a c...YouTube·UF / IFAS Extension Pinellas County1m

This copy/paste operation did not proceed normally. I'll try again later.

(th)

Void · 2025-11-14 08:46:48

(th) This is just to remind you that I have been working in a similar direction to your objectives: https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.ph … 11#p235211

Not Van Neumann of Mars Trees, but a collaboration of Mars Biomechanical Trees with the efforts of machines/robots, and Humans.

Ending Pending

tahanson43206 · 2025-11-14 11:10:29

Thank you to Void for a reminder of the value of vertical structures (fences) to restrain movement of sand on Mars. That concept is very likely to show up as we go forward in this topic...

The quote below is from conversation with Gemini about the basic concept of an artificial "life form" able to consume CO2 and regolith and replicate itself.

Here is the revised reply for your forum:
? Designing the Waterless Martian Chemical Factory
Hello Forum Members,
Thank you for the positive reception to this challenging idea!
The core problem in designing this artificial lichen—which we've termed a Synthetic Mars Autotroph (SMA)—is the absence of liquid water, the universal solvent for all terrestrial biochemistry. To succeed, the SMA must solve three major design hurdles: Energy Conversion, Structural Synthesis, and Self-Replication/Repair.
1. Energy Conversion: Capturing Low-Intensity Solar Power
The Martian surface receives less solar energy, and dust further reduces it. The SMA needs an exceptionally efficient form of photosynthesis.
[] The Pigment: The SMA's energy-harvesting pigments must absorb the entire available spectrum (visible and near-infrared) to maximize energy capture, likely giving it a black or dark red appearance. [] The Reaction: The energy must power the fixation of atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which is present at low pressure (≈6 mbar). This requires a highly optimized catalytic process.
Text Equation Example: The total energy harvested (EH) must be greater than the total energy lost (EL) for growth:
E_H > E_L
Generalized Synthesis Reaction:
CO2 + Solar Energy -> Martian Biopolymer Monomer + Waste Gas (e.g., O2)
Dust Resistance: The photosynthetic surface must be highly robust and either self-cleaning (e.g., using electrostatics) or capable of functioning even when partially coated in fine regolith dust.
2. Structural Synthesis: Building with Carbon and Sand
Once the energy is captured, the SMA must use it to synthesize its own structure and bind the Martian soil (regolith).
[] The Regolith Input: The SMA must safely process the abrasive regolith to extract inorganic minerals (like iron and magnesium) and neutralize the toxic perchlorates. [] The Waterless Biopolymer: The SMA needs a stable polymer to form its body—a Martian version of cellulose. This polymer must be synthesized from CO2 using a non-aqueous polymerization process. The structure must withstand extreme UV radiation and thermal cycling.
Dust Mitigation: Success is achieved by forming a bio-crust—a stable, interlocking matrix of the synthesized polymer and regolith particles, essentially gluing the loose dust in place.

3. Self-Replication and Repair: The Heart of 'Life'
This is the most critical challenge: how does a non-aqueous chemical factory reproduce itself and fix damage?
[] Non-Aqueous Information Storage: Terrestrial life uses DNA in a water solvent. The SMA would need a new type of information-coding polymer—a xeno nucleic acid (XNA) or a different molecular system—that can function and replicate in a solid-state or a highly stable non-aqueous solvent. [] The 'Enzyme' Challenge: Replication requires enzymes (catalysts). These must be synthesized and remain stable enough to function without unfolding (denaturing) in the solvent-free, highly variable temperature environment.
Radiation-Hardened Repair: The system requires an efficient and energy-intensive molecular repair system capable of detecting damage, synthesizing replacement parts, and stitching them back into the structure, all without liquid water.
This entire system must achieve a net positive growth rate (replication rate > decay rate) for the overall concept to succeed.
? Conclusion
The artificial lichen is a grand challenge in Synthetic Biology and Extreme Environment Engineering. While the basic inputs are present on Mars, the success hinges on developing a functional, stable, non-aqueous chemistry that allows for self-replication in that hostile environment.
Which of these challenges—Energy Conversion, Structural Synthesis, or Self-Replication—do you think presents the biggest obstacle for a first-generation design?

(th)

tahanson43206 · 2025-11-14 11:14:51

This next post contains a follow up discussion with Gemini about how a person might design an academic program to reach PhD with a focus upon this technology:

Thank you! I am excited about the opportunity to introduce this ambitious idea for discussion and perhaps for development by one or two members. This is a PhD level exercise, without a doubt, but the generation that is going to be settling Mars is alive on Earth today. A project like this one could be the focus of an entire academic career, for the right person.
That is a fantastic outlook! Framing this as a PhD-level, career-defining challenge is exactly the right perspective for attracting the kind of long-term dedication and creativity this project demands.
Given the forum's interest in focusing on the most challenging aspect, let's drill down into the single biggest theoretical hurdle you mentioned: Self-Replication and Repair (The Heart of 'Life').
I agree, this presents the largest obstacle for a first-generation design, as it requires moving beyond passive material science and into active, controlled chemistry in a completely alien environment.
? The Biggest Hurdle: Waterless Self-Replication
The ability of the Synthetic Mars Autotroph (SMA) to self-replicate is what separates it from a passive, solar-powered coating. It's the difference between a bucket of paint and a truly bio-regenerative system.
1. The Core Problem: The Molecular Machinery
All Earth life uses the hydrolysis reaction (breaking bonds with water) and the solvent properties of water to facilitate nearly every chemical process. Eliminating water means redesigning the entire molecular machinery.
[] Non-Aqueous Information Polymer: We need a template that can store vast amounts of complex information (the SMA blueprint) and be copied accurately. This requires a non-hydrolytic backbone. One theoretical option is a Polysiloxane or Silicone-based backbone instead of a phosphate-deoxyribose backbone. Silicones are robust, UV-resistant, and stable across a wide temperature range, making them ideal for Mars. [] The New 'Genetic Code': The bonding sites (the Mars equivalent of A, T, C, G) would need to be based on strong, reliable forces that can operate without water to shield or orient them. Perhaps hydrogen bonds could be replaced by metal-coordination bonds or stronger covalent interactions.
2. The Manufacturing Problem: Waterless Catalysis
On Earth, enzymes (proteins) are the tiny, highly efficient 3D factories that build everything else. They rely on water to maintain their shape (folding) and function.
[] Synthetic Enzymes: We need Mars-stable synthetic catalysts that can:
[] Break down CO2 and process regolith minerals. [] Synthesize the structural polymer (Martian 'cellulose'). [] Build and copy the information polymer (Martian 'DNA').
Robust Structure: These synthetic enzymes would likely be made of highly cross-linked, thermally stable polymers or catalytic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) rather than fragile, folded proteins. Their function would be based on rigid geometry, not flexible folding.
3. The Abrasive Environment: Repair vs. Replacement
Dust storms are a constant threat, causing abrasion and micro-damage. The high radiation and thermal cycling cause constant molecular degradation.
[] Energy Budget for Repair: Repair is costly. The SMA must balance the energy spent on repairing existing units (fixing damage to the surface layer) versus the energy spent on replicating new units (spreading to new regolith).
[] If the decay rate due to environmental stress is too high, the SMA will never achieve a net positive growth rate.
A successful strategy might be to prioritize rapid, cheap self-assembly of new units over energy-intensive molecular repair of old, damaged ones.
? Conclusion: The Ultimate Test
The successful design of the SMA is essentially the creation of a General Purpose Non-Aqueous Molecular Assembler—a goal far beyond current synthetic biology, but one that is perfectly aligned with a groundbreaking, career-long academic pursuit. The challenge is less about finding the right material and more about finding a functional, stable process for self-construction without the aid of water.
Do you want to focus the next discussion on potential materials for the SMA structure (e.g., silicone, boron nitride nanotubes) or delve into the process of Carbon Fixation under low pressure?

(th)

SpaceNut · 2025-11-14 14:57:29

ArtificialLichen is to change the soil to somewhat more like earths in that decade plant life creates topsoil which if enough water is present makes the soil not blw and become part of the atmospheric abrasve to breathing and static electricity cling.
Mars at one time did have it but with the loss of water and a much warmer planet the process stopped making clay and good topsoil.

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#1 2025-11-13 10:34:32

Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#2 2025-11-13 10:38:47

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#3 2025-11-13 12:09:51

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#4 2025-11-13 21:22:26

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#5 2025-11-14 07:50:10

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#6 2025-11-14 07:57:03

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#7 2025-11-14 08:09:24

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#8 2025-11-14 08:46:48

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

#9 2025-11-14 11:10:29

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

? Designing the Waterless Martian Chemical Factory

1. Energy Conversion: Capturing Low-Intensity Solar Power

2. Structural Synthesis: Building with Carbon and Sand

3. Self-Replication and Repair: The Heart of 'Life'

? Conclusion

#10 2025-11-14 11:14:51

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

? The Biggest Hurdle: Waterless Self-Replication

2. The Manufacturing Problem: Waterless Catalysis

3. The Abrasive Environment: Repair vs. Replacement

? Conclusion: The Ultimate Test

#11 2025-11-14 14:57:29

Re: Dust Mitigation Mars Solidified Regolith or Artificial Lichen

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