Characteristics of pebble and cobble-sized clasts along the Curiosity rover traverse from sol 100 to 750: Terrain types, potential sources, and transport mechanisms
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We combine the results of orbitally-derived morphologic and thermal inertia data with in situ observations of abundance, size, morphologic characteristics, and distribution of pebble- to cobble-sized clasts along the Curiosity rover traverse. Our goals are to characterize rock sources and transport history, and improve our ability to predict upcoming terrain. There are ten clast types, with nine types interpreted as sedimentary rocks. Only Type 3 clasts had morphologies indicative of significant wear through transport; thus, most clast types are indicative of nearby outcrops or prior presence of laterally extensive sedimentary rock layers, consistent with the erosional landscape. A minor component may reflect impact delivery of more distant material. Types 1 and 4 are heavily-cemented sandstones, likely associated with a “caprock” layer. Types 5 and 6 (and possibly 7) are pebble-rich sandstones, with varying amounts of cement leading to varying susceptibility to erosion/wear. Type 3 clasts are rounded pebbles likely transported and deposited alluvially, then worn out of pebbly sandstone/conglomerate. Types 9 and 10 are poorly-sorted sandstones, with Type 9 representing fragments of Square Top-type layers, and Type 10 deriving from basal or other Mt. Sharp layers. Types 2, 8 and 9 are considered exotics.
There are few clear links between clast type and terrain surface roughness (particularly in identifying terrain that is challenging for the rover to navigate). Orbital data may provide a reasonable prediction of certain end-member terrains but the complex interplay between variables that contribute to surface characteristics makes discriminating between terrain types from orbital data problematic. Prediction would likely be improved through higher-resolution thermal inertia data.
There are few clear links between clast type and terrain surface roughness (particularly in identifying terrain that is challenging for the rover to navigate). Orbital data may provide a reasonable prediction of certain end-member terrains but the complex interplay between variables that contribute to surface characteristics makes discriminating between terrain types from orbital data problematic. Prediction would likely be improved through higher-resolution thermal inertia data.
Date Issued
2016-04-27
Date Acceptance
2016-03-01
Citation
Icarus, 2016, 280, pp.72-92
ISSN
0019-1035
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
72
End Page
92
Journal / Book Title
Icarus
Volume
280
Copyright Statement
© 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.
This
is
an
open
access
article
under
the
CC
BY-NC-ND
license
(
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
).
This
is
an
open
access
article
under
the
CC
BY-NC-ND
license
(
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
).
Sponsor
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000384629200005&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
ST/J005169/1
ST/N000579/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mars
Surface
Geological processes
THERMAL-CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTS
GALE CRATER
PARTICULATE MATERIALS
LANDING SITE
MARS
SCIENCE
ORIGIN
EVOLUTION
SEDIMENTS
ROCKNEST
0201 Astronomical And Space Sciences
0402 Geochemistry
0404 Geophysics
Publication Status
Published