The wave complex on the Mars-96 orbiter: ELISMA

Abstract. This paper is related to the study of ELF-VLF wave propagation through the Martian ionosphere using a WKB method. It is expected that waves coming from the atmosphere could be observed by a probe in orbit around Mars. Characteristics of the wave propagation have been determined from Maxwell's equations. The ionospheric conductivities have been calculated using known parameters of the Martian ionosphere in different cases: nightside and dayside, low and high solar activity, and low and high magnetic field. It is shown that ELF-VLF waves with a maximum frequency -4000 Hz can only propagate if we consider a strong magnetic field on the nightside and a low solar activity.

show abstract

Electrostatic discharge in Martian dust storms

Melnik¹,

Parrot²

1998

J. Geophys. Res.

141

166

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. Although the Martian atmosphere does not satisfy general requirements for lightning generation, there is a possibility of electrical discharge in the case of strong surface winds and a resulting extremely large dust mass loading in the course of large dust storms occurring on this planet. On Earth, negative potential gradients of many thousands of volts per meter have been measured during dust storms when winds are sufficiently strong. However, owing to a lower pressure in the Martian atmosphere, the required voltage for electrical breakdown is lower than on Earth. After a brief review of the observations concerning Earth's atmosphere and the laboratory experiments performed to understand these phenomena, the results of numerical simulation of the electrification in Martian dust storms are presented. Known characteristics of Martian dust grains and the Martian atmosphere are considered, and the different forces applied to the dust particles are taken into account. The electrostatic potential and the evolution of the charge density are calculated using Poisson's equation and the continuity equation. Two different wind configurations in the Martian atmosphere are studied: a wind vortex and a wind parallel to the ground encountering an obstacle (a small hill). It is shown that electric discharge occurs under specific conditions.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

The wave complex on the Mars-96 orbiter: ELISMA

Cited by 3 publications

References 18 publications

Active measurement of the thermal electron density and temperature on the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter of the BepiColombo mission

Active measurement of the thermal electron density and temperature on the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter of the BepiColombo mission

Propagation of electromagnetic waves through the Martian ionosphere

Electrostatic discharge in Martian dust storms

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About