1
Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Re: Where are the round rocks on Mars ?
« Last post by Janus on Today at 16:47:18 »The "dust" storms on Mars are not all that epic. The highest wind speeds have only reached ~60mph, and this isn't typical. And given that the atmosphere is only 1/100 as dense as the Earth's they don't have much punch. They may be "epic" in size, covering vast areas of Mars, but not in strength.They probably never existed, or haven't yet evolved.
Rocks tend to fracture with straight edges. You need the erosive action of grit-laden water or wind to polish them into smooth shapes, and Mars seems somewhat deficient in both.
The alternative source of mineral rotundity can be a volcanic eruption of liquid that freezes slowly as it descends through a viscous atmosphere. but again Mars isn't the best place to manufacture lead shot by that traditional process.
Umpteen years ago the New Scientist published a question about the distribution of flat stones on a seashore. My 6-year-old son pointed out that all the good ones will have been thrown into the sea by small boys, so you won't find many above the high water mark. Extrapolating from that wisdom, and from the Apollo program of exporting human stupidity to other planets, I think you might find round rocks inside the so-called craters that form the Mars crazy golf course.
Your son is amazing !
I would have thought over the zillions of years with all the epic sand storms that weathering would have happened by now. However, I acquiesce to your your sons prodigious wisdom ! 😉