Electrical properties of the surface layers of Mars

The electrical properties of returned lunar samples when measured in high vacuum conditions have confirmed that the lunar regolith is an excellent electrical insulator, and that it is relatively transparent to radio waves. It is shown in this paper that the observed Martian surface pressures, temperatures, and water contents are consistent with a model of the planetary surface which is electrically similar to that of the moon. The amounts of moisture present are low enough, that they could be adsorbed as a monolayer on the surface of soil grains in the upper few centimeters. The electrical properties of material which has an adsorbed monolayer of water are virtually indistinguishable from completely dry material.