The rock abrasion record at Gale Crater: Mars Science Laboratory results from Bradbury Landing to Rocknest
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Abstract
Ventifacts, rocks abraded by wind-borne particles, are found in Gale Crater, Mars. In the eastward drive from “Bradbury Landing” to “Rocknest,” they account for about half of the float and outcrop seen by Curiosity's cameras. Many are faceted and exhibit abrasion textures found at a range of scales, from submillimeter lineations to centimeter-scale facets, scallops, flutes, and grooves. The drive path geometry in the first 100 sols of the mission emphasized the identification of abrasion facets and textures formed by westerly flow. This upwind direction is inconsistent with predictions based on models and the orientation of regional dunes, suggesting that these ventifact features formed from very rare high-speed winds. The absence of active sand and evidence for deflation in the area indicates that most of the ventifacts are fossil features experiencing little abrasion today.
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | The rock abrasion record at Gale Crater: Mars Science Laboratory results from Bradbury Landing to Rocknest |
Series title | Journal of Geophysical Research E: Planets |
DOI | 10.1002/2013JE004579 |
Volume | 119 |
Year Published | 2014 |
Language | English |
Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
Description | 15 p. |
First page | 1374 |
Last page | 1389 |
Other Geospatial | Bradbury Landing, Gale Crater, Mars, Rocknest |
Online Only (Y/N) | N |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |