Science · 2009 · 151 citations · 20 references
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesGeologyPlanetary ScienceSedimentologyStratigraphyErosionExploration GeologyImpact CrateringMartian GeologyPlanetary GeomorphologyPlanetary SedimentologyImpact Cratering On MarsImpact CratersImpact Event StratigraphyImpact StratigraphyMartian Erosion ProcessesMartian Impact CrateringMartian Surface GeologyRover Exploration
Opportunity explored Victoria crater, a ~750‑m eroded impact crater in sulfate‑rich sedimentary rocks, where impact stratigraphy, meteoritic debris, and dune‑layering preserve evidence of ancient wind activity. Hematite‑rich concretions shrink upward, indicating decreasing groundwater activity, while depth‑dependent compositional changes match those 6 km north, demonstrating that water‑induced alteration at Meridiani Planum was regional.
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.
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In Situ Evidence for an Ancient Aqueous Environment at Meridiani Planum, Mars
S. W. Squyres, J. P. Grotzinger, R. E. Arvidson et al. · Science · 2004 · 952 citations · Full text
The Opportunity Rover's Athena Science Investigation at Meridiani Planum, Mars
S. W. Squyres, R. E. Arvidson, J. F. Bell et al. · Science · 2004 · 556 citations
Chemistry and mineralogy of outcrops at Meridiani Planum
B. C. Clark, R. V. Morris, S. M. McLennan et al. · Earth and Planetary Science Letters · 2005 · 396 citations