IMPLICATIONS OF THE LOCAL TOPOGRAPHY OF THE MARKER BAND CONTACT, GALE CRATER
Résumé
Satellite-based investigations of Mt. Sharp stratigraphy in Gale Crater show a unit with distinctive tonal and erosional expression that can be traced in extended outcrops at several locations along the mountain’s southern, western, and northern margins [1, 2, 3]. Slopes measured on the exposed outcrop suggested a radial deposition pattern in the construction of Mt. Sharp, with important implications for formation mechanisms and spatial extent of mountain construction (2). Alternatively, the slopes have been proposed to be due to differential compaction of initially nearhorizontal layers [4]. The distinct character of the unit, referred to as the Marker Bed (now labelled the Marker Band), has motivated various theories for its origin (recently summarized in [3]), ranging from better induration due to arid depositional setting, to its being a volcanic ash.
By Sol 3351, the Curiosity rover approached an area with multiple exposures, now known as Marker Band valley (Fig. 1), which enabled the first close observations of the Marker Band. Observations of the Marker Band and several associated units continue and are presented in multiple 2023 LPSC abstracts. Our report is based on examination of over 20 Curiosity ChemCam Long Distance Remote Micro Images and Mastcam images.
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