Exploration of Victoria crater by the Mars rover Opportunity.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 19461001.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/science.1170355.
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Abstract
The Mars rover Opportunity has explored Victoria crater, an approximately 750-meter eroded impact crater formed in sulfate-rich sedimentary rocks. Impact-related stratigraphy is preserved in the crater walls, and meteoritic debris is present near the crater rim. The size of hematite-rich concretions decreases up-section, documenting variation in the intensity of groundwater processes. Layering in the crater walls preserves evidence of ancient wind-blown dunes. Compositional variations with depth mimic those approximately 6 kilometers to the north and demonstrate that water-induced alteration at Meridiani Planum was regional in scope.
Medical subject headings
- Mars