Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 February 2018
Recent theoretical studies show that orbits of circummartian dust particles are controlled by solar radiation pressure and the Martian oblateness. Smaller dust particles (< 22μm) with enhanced orbital eccentricity are quickly captured by Mars. We find that the collisions of ring particles with Phobos and Deimos are the most important dust sources. Erosion of Phobos should set the upper limit on the dust production efficiency controlling this self-sustaining mechanism, and then the ring dust abundance.