Cross post--Leslee Click on URL for more info
Currently there are no global magnetic fields on Mars generated from an active planet core. The magnetic fields detected by the Mars Global Surveyor magnetometer are from the planet's crust. These magnetic fields are detected in striated formations and are records of Mars' past crust and core activity.
Most of Mars' crustal magnetization is found in the old and heavily cratered area in the highlands. The magnetic striations are organized in an east-west direction, the longest over 2000 km in length. The remaining crustal magnetization on Mars is more than ten times that of the one found on Earth. Some of the magnetized striation groups were found with alternating polarities, similar to the magnetic striations due to sea floor spreading found in the bottom of the ocean on Earth. The Martian version, however, is on a much larger scale.
Excerpt from the "Mars Library" A valued resource from the URL listed above. This could change things dramatically from my point of view. The technologies I am working with that function, but not at an acceptable rate of loss, may function differently on Mars. Any change NASA would send such a device for testing? (Not likely, but they should!) The MHD which does function is more in use now in Marine uses because it is highly efficient in these areas. When I looked up "Magneto Hydrodynamics" 8 of 10 sites were marine based in nature (Ocean) Now look at the above statement; "Some of the magnetized striation groups were found with alternating polarities, similar to the magnetic striations due to sea floor spreading found in the bottom of the ocean on Earth. The Martian version, however, is on a much larger scale."
Technology we develop here will function differently on mars, some will be less efficient, while others will become more efficient. It is so important that we get people to mars as soon as possible. People can do experiments that machines can not do.
Be Well,
Mardon