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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Oblique impact: a process for obtaining meteorite samples from other planets.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 17, 1986
Summary
Impact simulations show that vapor jets from asteroid impacts on Mars can propel SNC meteorites. These jets, generated at specific angles and velocities, can accelerate Martian rocks to escape velocity, potentially explaining meteorite origins.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Impact Cratering
- Geophysics
Background:
- SNC meteorites are found on Earth but originate from Mars.
- Their low shock levels and high ejection velocities pose a challenge for impact origin theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if impact-generated vapor jets can launch SNC meteorites from Mars.
- To determine the conditions under which such a mechanism is feasible.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional finite difference calculations of silicate projectile impacts on a silicate surface.
- Modeling of vapor plume dynamics and entrainment of surface materials.
Main Results:
- Oblique impacts (25-60 degrees) at 7.5 km/s produce vapor jets up to 20 km/s.
- These jets have densities of 0.1-1 g/cm³ and flow parallel to the surface.
- Vapor jets can entrain and accelerate surface rocks to speeds exceeding Mars' escape velocity (>5 km/s).
Conclusions:
- Impact-generated vapor jets provide a viable mechanism for ejecting SNC meteorites from Mars.
- This process satisfies the constraints of low shock and high ejection velocity for SNC meteorites.
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