On laboratory simulation and the temperature dependence of the evaporation rate of brine on Mars
by Sears, D. W. G.; Chittenden, J. D.
We have determined the evaporation rate of brine under simulated martian conditions at temperatures from 0 degrees C to - 26.0 degrees C as part of our efforts to better understand the stability of water on Mars. Correcting for the effect of water build-up in the atmosphere and the lower gravity on Mars relative to Earth we observed a factor of almost 30 decrease in evaporation, from 0.88 mm/h at similar to 0 degrees C to 0.04 mm/h at - 25.0 degrees C. The results are in excellent agreement with the predictions of Ingersoll's (1970) theoretical treatment, lending support to the theory and our procedures. Thus brine formation will increase the stability of water on Mars not only by extending the liquid temperature range, but also by considerably decreasing the evaporation rate.
- Journal
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 23
- Year
- 2005
- URL
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2005gl024154
- ISBN/ISSN
- 1944-8007; 0094-8276
- DOI
- 10.1029/2005gl024154