In the transport of heavy particulates by wind, as in blizzards and sand storms, much of the particulate flux occurs very near the surface by a process called saltation. A buildup of electrostatic charge usually accompanies this phenomenon. To date, the force due to this electrification has not been included in equations predicting particle transport by saltation. Consideration of the effects of the electrostatic force on particle saltation trajectories requires knowledge of the electric field strength very near the snow surface. Such measurements have been lacking. Recent measurements of the electric field gradient in a blowing snow storm indicate substantial changes in saltation lengths in agreement with experimental observations. This document proposes to measure the electric field gradient and average particle charge-to-mass rations in blowing sand storms to determine the electric force on saltating sand particles. Preliminary studies indicate this force is significant and important to understanding aeolian processes on Mars.
| Mail: | Dr. J.D. Dent |
|
Department of Civil Engineering |
| Montana State University | |
| Bozeman, MT 59717 |
| E-mail: | jimd@ce.montana.edu |
| Phone: | (406) 994-6124 |
| FAX: | (406) 994-6105 |
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