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MER Field Geologic Traverse in Gusev Crater, Mars: Initial Results From the Perspective of SpiritThis report casts the initial results of the traverse and science investigations by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit at Gusev crater [1] in terms of data sets commonly used in field geologic investigations: Local mapping of geologic features, analyses of selected samples, and their location within the local map, and the regional context of the field traverse in terms of the larger geologic and physiographic region. These elements of the field method are represented in the MER characterization of the Gusev traverse by perspective-based geologic/morphologic maps, the placement of the results from Mossbauer, APXS, Microscopic Imager, Mini-TES and Pancam multispectral studies in context within this geologic/ morphologic map, and the placement of the overall traverse in the context of narrow-angle MOC (Mars Orbiter Camera) and descent images. A major campaign over a significance fraction of the mission will be the first robotic traverse of the ejecta from a Martian impact crater along an approximate radial from the crater center. The Mars Exploration Rovers have been conceptually described as 'robotic field geologists', that is, a suite of instruments with mobility that enables far-field traverses to multiple sites located within a regional map/image base at which in situ analyses may be done. Initial results from MER, where the field geologic method has been used throughout the initial course of the investigation, confirm that this field geologic model is applicable for remote planetary surface exploration. The field geologic method makes use of near-field geologic characteristics ('outcrops') to develop an understanding of the larger geologic context through continuous loop of rational steps focused on real-time hypothesis identification and testing. This poster equates 'outcrops' with the locations of in situ investigations and 'regional context' with the geology over distance of several kilometers. Using this fundamental field geologic method, we have identified the basic local geologic materials on the floor of Gusev at this site, their compositions and likely lithologies, origins, processes that have modified these materials, and their potential significance in the interpretation of the regional geology both spatially and temporally.
Document ID
20040057995
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Crumpler, L.
(New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Cabrol, N.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
desMarais, D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Farmer, J.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Golmbek, M.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Grant, J.
(Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC, United States)
Greely, R.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Grotzinger, J.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Haskin, L.
(Washington Univ. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Arvidson, R.
(Washington Univ. Saint Louis, MO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Mars Missions
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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