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Surficial deposits at Gusev Crater along Spirit Rover traverses
J A Grant1, R Arvidson, J F Bell
1Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA. grantj@nasm.si.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 7, 2004
Summary
The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit found no evidence of an ancient lake in Gusev crater. The rover observed impact-shaped terrain with windblown sediments burying rocks ejected from lava flows.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Mars Exploration
Background:
- The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit investigated Gusev crater.
- The rover's path revealed a landscape shaped by impacts and eolian processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the geological features of the terrain traversed by the Spirit rover.
- To search for evidence of past water activity, specifically an ancient lake, in Gusev crater.
Main Methods:
- Rover traverse and surface observation.
- Analysis of rock ejecta and sedimentary deposits.
- Geomorphological interpretation of impact craters and windblown sediments.
Main Results:
- The rover traversed flat, rock-strewn terrain primarily shaped by impact events.
- Eolian processes deposited fine sediments ( < 2 mm) that partially buried rocks.
- Basaltic rocks, likely from local lava flows, were ejected from depths of at least 10 meters.
- No evidence supporting the presence of an ancient lake was found in the traversed area.
Conclusions:
- The Gusev crater floor, as explored by Spirit, is dominated by impact and eolian processes.
- The observed sedimentary features do not indicate lacustrine (lake) environments.
- The rover's findings contribute to understanding Mars' geological history and surface evolution.
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