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The size‐frequency and areal distribution of rock clasts at the Spirit landing site, Gusev Crater, Mars
Author(s) -
Ward J. G.,
Arvidson R. E.,
Golombek M.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2005gl022705
Subject(s) - impact crater , clastic rock , geology , mars exploration program , geomorphology , mineralogy , geochemistry , sedimentary rock , astrobiology , physics
Size‐frequency and nearest neighbor spacing measurements derived from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's Panoramic Camera images of the Gusev landing site reveal that rock clasts on the intercrater plains are smaller, better sorted, and more evenly spaced than clasts found near the crater rims. The even clast spacing is interpreted to be due to wind transport, which acts to minimize surface roughness during periods of high velocity wind.