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Textures of the soils and rocks at Gusev Crater from Spirit’s Microscopic Imager

August 6, 2004

The Microscopic Imager on the Spirit rover analyzed the textures of the soil and rocks at Gusev crater on Mars at a resolution of 100 micrometers. Weakly bound agglomerates of dust are present in the soil near the Columbia Memorial Station. Some of the brushed or abraded rock surfaces show igneous textures and evidence for alteration rinds, coatings, and veins consistent with secondary mineralization. The rock textures are consistent with a volcanic origin and subsequent alteration and/or weathering by impact events, wind, and possibly water.

Publication Year 2004
Title Textures of the soils and rocks at Gusev Crater from Spirit’s Microscopic Imager
DOI 10.1126/science.3050824
Authors Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, S. W. Squyres, R. Arvidson, D.S. Bass, J. F. III Bell, P. Bertelsen, N.A. Cabrol, Lisa R. Gaddis, A. G. Hayes, S.F. Hviid, J. R. Johnson, K.M. Kinch, M.B. Madsen, J.N. Maki, S. M. McLennan, H.Y. McSween, J. W. Rice, M. Sims, P. H. Smith, Laurence A. Soderblom, Nicole Spanovich, R. Sullivan, A. Wang
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science
Index ID 70201101
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Astrogeology Science Center