Authors

J. E. Colwell; S. Batiste; M. Horanyi; S. Robertson;S. Sture

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Rev. Geophys.

Keywords

SUNSET TERMINATOR REGION; PLASMA SHEATH; INTERPLANETARY SPACE; PHOTOELECTRON SHEATH; MARE SOILS; LEVITATION; PARTICLES; POTENTIALS; DISCHARGE; SIMULANTS; Geochemistry & Geophysics

Abstract

The lunar surface is characterized by a collisionally evolved regolith resulting from meteoroid bombardment. This lunar soil consists of highly angular particles in a broad, approximately power law size distribution, with impact-generated glasses. The regolith becomes densified and difficult to excavate when subjected to lunar quakes or, eventually, manned and unmanned activity on the surface. Solar radiation and the solar wind produce a plasma sheath near the lunar surface. Lunar grains acquire charge in this environment and can exhibit unusual behavior, including levitation and transport across the surface because of electric fields in the plasma sheath. The fine component of the lunar regolith contributes to the operational and health hazards posed to planned lunar expeditions. In this paper we discuss the mechanical response of the regolith to anticipated exploration activities and review the plasma environment near the lunar surface and the observations, models, and dynamics of charged lunar dust.

Journal Title

Reviews of Geophysics

Volume

45

Issue/Number

2

Publication Date

1-1-2007

Document Type

Review

Language

English

First Page

26

WOS Identifier

WOS:000247696200001

ISSN

8755-1209

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