Properties of filamentary sublimation residues from dispersions of clay in ice. [On Martian poles, comet nuclei, and icy satellites]
Results are reported from experimental studies of the formation of ice mixed with mineral particles in an effort to simulate similar processes on natural surfaces such as at the Martian poles, on comet nuclei and on icy satellites. The study consisted of low-pressure, low-temperature sublimations of water ice from dilutions of water-clay (montmorillonite and Cabosil) dispersions of various component ratios. Liquid dispersions were sprayed into liquid nitrogen to form droplets at about -50 C. Both clay-water dispersions left a filamentary residue on the bottom of the Dewar after the water ice had sublimated off. The residue was studied with optical and SEM microscopy, the latter method revealing a high electrical conductivity in the residue. The results suggest that the sublimation of the water ice can leave a surface crust, which may be analogous to processes at the Martian poles and on comet nuclei. The process could proceed by the attachment of water molecules to salt crystals during the hottest part of the Martian year. The residue remaining was found to remain stable up to 370 C, be porous, and remain resilient, which could allow it to insulate ice bodies such as comets in space. 11 references.
- Research Organization:
- California Institute of Technology (CalTech), Pasadena, CA (United States); Hawaii Univ., Honolulu; Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor
- OSTI ID:
- 5227984
- Journal Information:
- Icarus; (United States), Vol. 66
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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