In-situ observations of the physical properties of the Martian surface

Kenneth E. Herkenhoff; M. P. Golombek; E.A. Guinness; J.B. Johnson; A. Kusack; L. Richter; R.J. Sullivan; S. Gorevan

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511536076.021

In-situ observations of the physical properties of the Martian surface

By: Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, M. P. Golombek, E.A. Guinness, J.B. Johnson, A. Kusack, L. Richter, R.J. Sullivan, and S. Gorevan

Edited by: Jim Bell

https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511536076.021

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Abstract

The physical properties of rocks and soils on the surface of Mars have been investigated by several landed spacecraft. Studies of these physical properties constrain interpretation of Martian geologic processes and provide engineering data for future mission planning. As on Earth, these properties vary considerably from place to place, and provide constraints on the origin and evolution of the surface materials. Martian soils commonly have thin surface crusts that may be caused by salts cementing grains together. Estimates of soil physical properties at the various landing sites are generally comparable, but rather uncertain in many cases. Rock physical properties, based on abrasion by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) and other experiments, vary widely.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Book chapter
Publication Subtype	Book Chapter
Title	In-situ observations of the physical properties of the Martian surface
Chapter	21
DOI	10.1017/CBO9780511536076.021
Year Published	2008
Language	English
Publisher	Cambridge University Press
Contributing office(s)	Astrogeology Science Center
Description	17 p.
Larger Work Type	Book
Larger Work Subtype	Monograph
Larger Work Title	The martian surface: Composition, mineralogy, and physical properties
First page	451
Last page	467
Other Geospatial	Mars
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page