Experiments
During the proof phase of the hypothesis, we performed several experiments to validate the ejecta formation model.
The first test was to attempt the splash distribution of highly hydrous material. This was done using a very thin mixture of gypsum wallboard compound. The material was thrown approximately 3 meters at a sheet of cardboard. The resulting deposits are shown here.
The natural ridging around the structure as the material spreads out on impact can be clearly seen here. The reader may associate with this form, as it is identical to the well-recognized paint splatter.
Here is a broader view of a splatter field. The item above is visible in the center right. Note that with very viscous splatters, there is a potential to have a down-range inversion, where the broad section of the ejecta emplacement is down-range vs. up-range. A shortcoming in our experimental technique is the reality that the "loft time" may not be long enough to recreate the aerodynamic effects that would effectively create spheroid splatter droplets.
Using slightly stiffer material in larger size droplets, we see structures that take on more vertical dimension.
Most interesting here is the clear effect of 'bay" building in on end of the structure. An enlarged version is shown to demonstrate. These are interpreted as viscous flows within the structure as it undergoes de-acceleration on impact. The upper components of the droplet continue moving at pre-impat velocity as the lower portions are slowed by ground contact. Note that the bays may not align with the direction of travel.
We have witnessed events where a substantial section of the ejecta droplet will break away from the main mass and impact further away. In between, it is possible to generate a 'figure eight" structure, akin to pulling taffy into a thin joining section.
Next we test stiffer material using 6" balls of compound. A movie is available to illustrate the process, please click on the picture below.
Quicktime movie.One aspect of the resulting structures is quite clear on close examination: they take on the appearance of natural terrestrial landscape. One example was lightly sprayed to enhance the effect and is presented here. The natural indentations in the surface have been hi-lighted with blue paint, indicating they would likely hold water in an actual landform. Clicking on this photograph will take the reader to a slide show of some more structures created in the experiment.
