Comparing orbiter and rover image-based mapping of an ancient sedimentary environment, Aeolis Palus, Gale crater, Mars

Kathryn M. Stack; Christopher Edwards; J. P. Grotzinger; S. Gupta; D. Sumner; Lauren A. Edgar; A. Fraeman; S. Jacob; L. LeDeit; K.W. Lewis; M.S. Rice; D. Rubin; F. Calef; K. Edgett; R.M.E. Williams; K. H. Williford

doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2016.02.024

Comparing orbiter and rover image-based mapping of an ancient sedimentary environment, Aeolis Palus, Gale crater, Mars

Icarus

By: Kathryn M. Stack, Christopher Edwards, J. P. Grotzinger, S. Gupta, D. Sumner, Lauren A. Edgar, A. Fraeman, S. Jacob, L. LeDeit, K.W. Lewis, M.S. Rice, D. Rubin, F. Calef, K. Edgett, R.M.E. Williams, and K. H. Williford

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2016.02.024

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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.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	Comparing orbiter and rover image-based mapping of an ancient sedimentary environment, Aeolis Palus, Gale crater, Mars
Series title	Icarus
DOI	10.1016/j.icarus.2016.02.024
Year Published	2016
Language	English
Publisher	Elsevier
Contributing office(s)	Astrogeology Science Center
Description	19 p.
First page	3
Last page	21
Other Geospatial	Mars
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page