Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the average annual accumulation of cosmic dust on Earth, specifically focusing on how this accumulation can be quantified in terms of depth at the Earth's surface. Participants explore various sources of cosmic dust and consider related questions about water accumulation.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant defines "accumulation" as the depth of cosmic dust at the Earth's surface, specifying that it should only include material that becomes dust, excluding gas or liquid.
- Another participant provides a mass estimate of cosmic dust accumulation at 4x107 kg/year, referencing a paper linked from a Wikipedia page, and calculates a corresponding depth of less than 10-10 m/year based on Earth's surface area.
- There is a suggestion that the fraction of material that is rock may not significantly impact the overall calculations.
- One participant questions the initial inquiry by suggesting an internet search for information, indicating a potential lack of thoroughness in the original question.
- A later reply humorously acknowledges the original poster's tendency to seek answers from the forum first, implying a familiarity with the participant's behavior.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of cosmic dust accumulation, and there are differing views on the necessity of conducting an internet search for information.
Contextual Notes
The discussion does not clarify the assumptions behind the mass estimate or the implications of the calculated depth, leaving some aspects unresolved.