Characterization of clasts in the Glen Torridon region of Gale crater observed by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover

Granule- to cobble- sized clasts in the Glen Torridon region of Gale crater on Mars were studied using data captured by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover between martian days (’sols’) 2302 and 2593. The morphology and composition of clasts has the potential to reveal the nature and extent of erosional processes acting in a region. In this analysis, measurements of shape, size, texture and element abundance of unconsolidated clasts within lower Glen Torridon were compiled. Eight primary clast types were identified, all of which are sedimentary rock and can be linked to local bedrock, suggesting short transport distances. Several clast types exhibit signs of eolian abrasion, such as facets, pits, flutes and grooves. These results indicate that clasts are the products of bedrock degredation followed by extensive eolian wear.

Name thesis:degree_name

Bachelor

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Khan, Sabrina Y.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bergmann, Kristin

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
• Copyright MIT

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/138923

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/138923