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Abstract
The physical properties of rocks and soils on the surface of Mars have been investigated by several landed spacecraft. Studies of these physical properties constrain interpretation of Martian geologic processes and provide engineering data for future mission planning. As on Earth, these properties vary considerably from place to place, and provide constraints on the origin and evolution of the surface materials. Martian soils commonly have thin surface crusts that may be caused by salts cementing grains together. Estimates of soil physical properties at the various landing sites are generally comparable, but rather uncertain in many cases. Rock physical properties, based on abrasion by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) and other experiments, vary widely.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | In-situ observations of the physical properties of the Martian surface |
| Chapter | 21 |
| DOI | 10.1017/CBO9780511536076.021 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Contributing office(s) | Astrogeology Science Center |
| Description | 17 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Monograph |
| Larger Work Title | The martian surface: Composition, mineralogy, and physical properties |
| First page | 451 |
| Last page | 467 |
| Other Geospatial | Mars |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |