Soil sedimentology at Gusev Crater from Columbia Memorial Station to Winter Haven

Citation

Cabrol NA, Herkenhoff KE, Greeley R, Grin EA, Schröder C, d'Uston C, Weitz C, Yingst RA, Cohen BA, Moore J, Knudson AT, Franklin B, Anderson RC & Li R (2008) Soil sedimentology at Gusev Crater from Columbia Memorial Station to Winter Haven. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 113 (E6), Art. No.: E06S05. https://doi.org/10.1029/2007JE002953

Abstract
A total of 3140 individual particles were examined in 31 soils along Spirit’s traverse. Their size, shape, and texture were quantified and classified. They represent a unique record of 3 years of sedimentologic exploration from landing to sol 1085 covering the Plains Unit to Winter Haven where Spirit spent the Martian winter of 2006. Samples in the Plains Unit and Columbia Hills appear as reflecting contrasting textural domains. One is heterogeneous, with a continuum of angular-to-round particles of fine sand to pebble sizes that are generally dust covered and locally cemented in place. The second shows the effect of a dominant and ongoing dynamic aeolian process that redistributes a uniform population of medium-size sand. The texture of particles observed in the samples at Gusev Crater results from volcanic, aeolian, impact, and water-related processes.

Keywords
Mars; particles; sedimentology; microscopic imager

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets: Volume 113, Issue E6

People

Dr Christian Schroeder

Senior Lecturer, Biological and Environmental Sciences