Non‐detection of impulsive radio signals from lightning in Martian dust storms using the radar receiver on the Mars Express spacecraft

Gurnett, D. A.; Morgan, D. D.; Granroth, L. J.; Cantor, B. A.; Farrell, W. M.; Espley, J. R.

doi:10.1029/2010gl044368

Cited by 31 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…The concentration of NO is larger by ∼2-3 orders of magnitude in Earth's mesosphere compared to the Martian mesosphere. The conductivity and the electric field have not been measured in the Martian troposphere [Gurnett et al, 2010]. Aplin, 2008].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We report that the total ion concentration (without dust) on Mars is lower than that on Earth by a factor of ∼5 at 25 km. The conductivity and the electric field have not been measured in the Martian troposphere [Gurnett et al, 2010]. Without these measurements at Mars, our calculation can be used as a diagnostic tool for future design of electrical payloads and subsequent data analysis to confirm the presence of lightning on Mars.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of dust storms on the D region of the Martian ionosphere: Atmospheric electricity

et al. 2010

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We have used dust opacity values observed by the Thermal Emission Imaging System onboard Mars Odyssey to estimate the effect of dust aerosols in the D region of the Martian ionosphere. An ion‐dust aerosol model has been developed to calculate ion concentrations and conductivity at midlatitudes during a dust storm in the Southern Hemisphere. We report that the concentration of the water cluster ions H+(H2O)n, NO2−(H2O)n, and CO3−(H2O)n are reduced by 2 orders of magnitude in the presence of dust aerosols. This indicates that during a dust storm, when the optical depth changes considerably, a large hole in the ion concentrations may appear until this anomalous condition returns to the normal condition after a period of about a few days. During such dust storms, the total ion conductivity is reduced by an order of magnitude.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of dust storms on the D region of the Martian ionosphere: Atmospheric electricity

et al. 2010

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“…However, subsequent work (Anderson et al 2012) could not confirm the initial ∼8 GHz observation. Also, a sensitive 4-5 MHz radio system aboard Mars Express carried out an unsuccessful search for lightning RF discharges, in close proximity to the planet (Gurnett et al 2010).…”

Section: Atmospheric Electricity On Marsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

et al. 2016

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Atmospheric transport and suspension of dust frequently brings electrification, which may be substantial. Electric fields of 10 kV m −1 to 100 kV m −1 have been observed at the surface beneath suspended dust in the terrestrial atmosphere, and some electrification has been observed to persist in dust at levels to 5 km, as well as in volcanic plumes. The interaction between individual particles which causes the electrification is incompletely understood, and multiple processes are thought to be acting. A variation in particle charge with particle size, and the effect of gravitational separation explains to, some extent, the charge structures observed in terrestrial dust storms. More extensive flow-based modelling demonstrates that bulk electric fields in excess of 10 kV m −1 can be obtained rapidly (in less than 10 s) from rotating dust systems (dust devils) and that terrestrial breakdown fields can be obtained. Modelled profiles of electrical conductivity in the Martian atmosphere suggest the possibility of dust electrification, and dust devils have been suggested as a mechanism of charge separation able to maintain current flow between one region of the atmosphere and another, through a global circuit. Fundamental new understanding of Martian atmospheric electricity will result from the ExoMars mission, which carries the DREAMS (Dust characterization, Risk Assessment, and Environment Analyser on the Martian Surface)-B R.G. Harrison

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“…Although the Mars Global Surveyor tried to detect E-M waves coming from Martian discharges, the results were negative; the study commented that terrestrial-like discharges were 1/10,000 weaker than terrestrial events. 8) However, if the events appear 'slower' than Earth cloud-to-ground discharges, such events would radiate E-M waves in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band. At the source of a discharge, the discharge would initially generate impulsive E-M waves with a flat spectrum.…”

Section: Clues Regarding Detectable DC Fields and Dischargesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies of Dust and Discharges around a Martian Rover with Onboard Hazard Analyses using Electromagnetic and Acoustic Wave Measurements

Yamamoto

Sato

Ishisaka

et al. 2016

AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY JAPAN

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A remote-sensing payload designed for a Mars rover, to observe Martian discharge events induced by dust devils and storms, is introduced. Low-frequency electromagnetic (E-M) and acoustic wave (AW) measurements have never been performed on Mars. Thus, to date, the occurrence of large-scale electrical discharges on Mars remains unknown. These measurements are important, due to the long propagation distances (>100 km) of these atmospheric events and the potential damage incurred by Martian rover systems and future human landings. Combining E-M and AW measurements, precise distance information on dust storms and dust devils can be obtained using the velocities of light and sound, because discharges are generated by electrostatic processes in a low-pressure dusty atmosphere. Moreover, by estimating electrical conductivity using E-M waves, information on underground moisture may be obtained. The rover will also record the sounds of roaring winds, shock waves caused by meteor entries, the possible eruption of ground gases, liquid flow, and the operating sounds of the rover itself − all historic firsts for Mars exploration.

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Non‐detection of impulsive radio signals from lightning in Martian dust storms using the radar receiver on the Mars Express spacecraft

Cited by 31 publications

References 19 publications

Effect of dust storms on the D region of the Martian ionosphere: Atmospheric electricity

Effect of dust storms on the D region of the Martian ionosphere: Atmospheric electricity

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Studies of Dust and Discharges around a Martian Rover with Onboard Hazard Analyses using Electromagnetic and Acoustic Wave Measurements

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