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Comparing orbiter and rover image-based mapping of an ancient sedimentary environment, Aeolis Palus, Gale crater, Mars
- Source :
- Icarus. 280:3-21
- Publication Year :
- 2016
- Publisher :
- Elsevier BV, 2016.
-
Abstract
- This study provides the first systematic comparison of orbital facies maps with detailed ground-based geology observations from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover to examine the validity of geologic interpretations derived from orbital image data. Orbital facies maps were constructed for the Darwin, Cooperstown, and Kimberley waypoints visited by the Curiosity rover using High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) images. These maps, which represent the most detailed orbital analysis of these areas to date, were compared with rover image-based geologic maps and stratigraphic columns derived from Curiosity's Mast Camera (Mastcam) and Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI). Results show that bedrock outcrops can generally be distinguished from unconsolidated surficial deposits in high-resolution orbital images and that orbital facies mapping can be used to recognize geologic contacts between well-exposed bedrock units. However, process-based interpretations derived from orbital image mapping are difficult to infer without known regional context or observable paleogeomorphic indicators, and layer-cake models of stratigraphy derived from orbital maps oversimplify depositional relationships as revealed from a rover perspective. This study also shows that fine-scale orbital image-based mapping of current and future Mars landing sites is essential for optimizing the efficiency and science return of rover surface operations.
- Subjects :
- SELECTION
010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences
Mars, surface
Outcrop
LANDING SITE
Mars
0404 Geophysics
Astronomy & Astrophysics
01 natural sciences
Astrobiology
law.invention
Orbiter
law
0103 physical sciences
0402 Geochemistry
GEOLOGY
010303 astronomy & astrophysics
0105 earth and related environmental sciences
geography
Science & Technology
geography.geographical_feature_category
MINERALOGY
ORIGIN
Bedrock
Mars landing
Astronomy and Astrophysics
SCIENCE LABORATORY MISSION
Geophysics
Mars Exploration Program
Geologic map
Mars Hand Lens Imager
EVOLUTION
0201 Astronomical And Space Sciences
Space and Planetary Science
Physical Sciences
Facies
Geological processes
Geology
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 00191035
- Volume :
- 280
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Icarus
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....b6ca43eb91cc3fe23dde5f60b57dbe82