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Classification and Distribution of Mars Pathfinder Rocks Using Quantitative Morphologic IndicesThe Mars Pathfinder (MPF) landing site was predicted to contain a broad sampling of rock types varying in mineralogical, physical, mechanical and geochemical characteristics. Although rocks have been divided into several spectral categories based on Imager for Mars Pathfinder visible/near-infrared spectra, it has not been fully determined which of these stem from intrinsic mineralogical differences between rocks or rock surfaces, and which result from factors such as physical or chemical weathering. This has made isolation of unique mineralogy's difficult. Efforts in isolating and classifying spectral units among MPF rocks and soils have met with varying degrees of success, and the current understanding is such that many factors influencing spectral signatures cannot be quantified to a sufficient level so they may be removed. The result is that fundamental questions regarding information needed to reveal the present and past interactions between the rocks and rock surfaces and the Martian environment remain unanswered. But it is possible to approach the issue of identifying distinct rock and rock surface types from a different angle.
Document ID
20040062148
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Yingst, R. A.
(Wisconsin Univ. Green Bay, WI, United States)
Biederman, K. L.
(Wisconsin Univ. Green Bay, WI, United States)
Monhead, A. M.
(Wisconsin Univ. Green Bay, WI, United States)
Haldemann, A. F. C.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Kowalczyk, M. R.
(Wisconsin Univ. Madison, WI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Mars: Gullies, Fluids, and Rocks
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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