On Mars, the previous is written in stone — however the current is written in sand. Final week, Perseverance explored inactive megaripples to be taught extra concerning the wind-driven processes which are reshaping the Martian panorama daily.
After wrapping up its investigation on the contact between clay and olivine-bearing rocks at “Westport,” Perseverance is journeying south as soon as extra. Beforehand, makes an attempt had been made to drive uphill to go to a brand new rock publicity known as “Midtoya.” Nevertheless, a mix of the steep slope and rubbly, rock-strewn soil made drive progress tough, and after a number of makes an attempt, the choice was made to return to smoother terrain. Fortunately, the trouble wasn’t fruitless, because the rover was in a position to collect information on new spherule-rich rocks thought to have rolled downhill from “Midtoya,” together with the witch hat or helmet-shaped rock “Horneflya,” which has attracted a lot on-line curiosity.
Extra not too long ago, Perseverance explored a web site known as “Kerrlaguna” the place the steep slopes give option to a area of megaripples: giant windblown sand formations as much as 1 meter (about 3 ft) tall. The science group selected to carry out a mini-campaign to make an in depth research of those options. Why such curiosity? Whereas typically the rover’s consideration is targeted on finding out processes in Mars’ distant previous which are recorded in historic rocks, we nonetheless have a lot to be taught concerning the fashionable Martian atmosphere.
Virtually a decade in the past, Perseverance’s forerunner Curiosity studied an energetic sand dune at “Namib Dune” on the ground of Gale crater, the place it took a memorable selfie. Nevertheless the smaller megaripples — and particularly dusty, apparently not energetic ones like at “Kerrlaguna” — are additionally frequent throughout the floor of Mars. These older motionless options might train us new insights concerning the position that wind and water play on the trendy Martian floor.
After arriving close to a number of of those inactive megaripples, Perseverance carried out a collection of measurements utilizing its SuperCam, Mastcam-Z, and MEDA science devices in an effort to characterize the encompassing atmosphere, the dimensions and chemistry of the sand grains, and any salty crusts that will have developed over time.
Apart from furthering our understanding of the Martian atmosphere, documenting these potential assets might assist us put together for the day when astronauts discover the Crimson Planet and wish assets held inside Martian soils to assist them survive. It’s hoped that this investigation at “Kerrlaguna” can present a apply run for a extra complete marketing campaign situated at a extra in depth area of bigger bedforms at “Lac de Charmes,” additional alongside the rover traverse.
Written by Melissa Rice, Professor of Planetary Science at Western Washington College
