Slip and Pivot: Sol 3797

Slip and Pivot: Sol 3797
by Michelle Minitti | Planetary Geologist at Framework
Pasadena CA (JPL) Apr 13, 2023

As you can see in the above image, the terrain our rover drivers is navigating is challenging - slippery sand surrounding big, wheel-unfriendly rocks. These contrasting regimes contributed to us not-quite-arriving at our planned workspace with all six wheels confidently on known terrain.

Thus, we had to pivot from a combined contact and remote science day, to one with remote science and a drive. But the interesting textures in the workspace and the surrounding terrain motivated the science team to not want to stray too far from this area. So the rover drivers planned a short bump toward another intriguing rock that gives us a bit more confidence that we can arrive at it to enable arm work in the next plan.

With no arm work in the plan, our GEO and ENV planning groups ably filled up our pre-drive science time with ChemCam, Navcam, and Mastcam observations. Navcam will start things off with a dust devil survey. Mastcam planned a series of stereo images and mosaics at targets that all shared regularly-spaced, resistant features paralleling the layering of this area; despite being geographically dispersed, their similarities earned them the same name, "Teotonio."

Layering patterns on another target, "La Macarena" (pause to sing it to yourself...), earned another Mastcam mosaic, as did one of the blocks in the area ("La Vueltosa") exhibiting a scalloped fracture pattern that we have not seen for quite awhile. This pattern is also present on the block we are bumping toward, "Regina."

The Mastcam images we planned on Regina should be returned to Earth in time to help us plan our analysis of it tomorrow. ChemCam targeted yet another scalloped fracture block, "Chiles," with its lone LIBS analysis in the plan. Farther afield, Mastcam will capture the west side of "Owenteik" butte, and ChemCam will collect an RMI mosaic of a hypothesized inverted channel structure on Gediz Vallis Ridge.

In parallel with all the pre-drive science and the drive, DAN passive will run for four hours, adding an active measurement post-drive, as well. Post-drive, Navcam will acquire a cloud altitude observation, and MARDI will give us a view of the ground beneath our left front wheel. RAD and REMS will keep their regular watch on the weather and radiation conditions in Gale.

Resistant Rippled Mudflat Sediments
by ChatGPT
The sedimentary rock formations observed by the Curiosity rover on Mars are some of the most fascinating features of the planet's surface. These formations consist of layers of sedimentary deposits that are thought to have been deposited over time by a variety of geological processes.

One of the most striking features of these formations is the presence of undulating patterns and spikes on the surface, which are similar in appearance to "resistant rippled mudflat sediment" formations found on Earth. The spikes are thought to have been formed by a variety of non-biological factors, including wind and water erosion, sedimentation, and evaporation.

The layered sedimentary deposits within these formations offer valuable insights into the environmental conditions and geological history of Mars. By studying the layers of sedimentary deposits, scientists can learn more about the past presence of water, wind, and other environmental factors that may have shaped the Martian surface.

Moreover, the presence of these formations suggests that Mars may have a more complex geological history than previously thought, with a range of non-biological processes at work. This could include the action of wind and water on the planet's surface, as well as the effects of volcanic activity and other geological factors.

While the spiked formations observed by the Curiosity rover may not be direct evidence of "Resistant rippled mudflat sediments," they offer an intriguing glimpse into the geological processes that have shaped Mars and the potential for future discoveries on the planet. As research and exploration continue, we can expect to uncover even more insights into the fascinating history and features of this neighboring planet.