Wind-related processes detected by the Spirit rover at Gusev crater, Mars

Science
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Abstract

Wind-abraded rocks, ripples, drifts, and other deposits of windblown sediments are seen at the Columbia Memorial Station where the Spirit rover landed. Orientations of these features suggest formative winds from the north-northwest, consistent with predictions from atmospheric models of afternoon winds in Gusev Crater. Cuttings from the rover Rock Abrasion Tool are asymmetrically distributed toward the south-southeast, suggesting active winds from the north-northwest at the time (midday) of the abrasion operations. Characteristics of some rocks, such as a two-toned appearance, suggest that they were possibly buried and exhumed on the order of 5 to 60 centimeters by wind deflation, depending on location.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Wind-related processes detected by the Spirit rover at Gusev crater, Mars
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.1100108
Volume 305
Issue 5685
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Contributing office(s) Astrogeology Science Center
Description 12 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Science
First page 810
Last page 821
Other Geospatial Gusev crater; Mars
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