Dataset Information

Water and Chlorine in the Martian Subsurface Along the Traverse of NASA's Curiosity Rover: 1. DAN Measurement Profiles Along the Traverse.

ABSTRACT: This paper presents estimates of the water and chlorine contents in the subsurface of Gale crater based on the measurements by the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) instrument onboard the NASA Curiosity rover. It is Part 1 of a two-paper series. Data derived both from DAN active and passive measurements are presented in discrete surface areas (pixels) assuming a homogeneous distribution of water within the DAN sensing depth (60 cm) along the traverse of the rover. It is shown that the content of hydrogen, reported as Water Equivalent Hydrogen, varies between almost zero and a maximum of (6.1 ± 0.7) wt.%. The content of absorption equivalent chlorine varies between almost zero and (2.6 ± 0.2) wt.%. Such variations are thought to be related to the different geological processes and environmental conditions present in the strata along the traverse during the evolutionary history of Gale crater. The second paper (Part 2) studies particular properties of water and abundances of neutron absorbing elements at distinct geological regions, that the rover crossed on its way.

SUBMITTER: Mitrofanov IG

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9788246 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Water and Chlorine in the Martian Subsurface Along the Traverse of NASA's Curiosity Rover: 1. DAN Measurement Profiles Along the Traverse.

Mitrofanov I G IG Nikiforov S Y SY Djachkova M V MV Lisov D I DI Litvak M L ML Sanin A B AB Vasavada A R AR

Journal of geophysical research. Planets 20221122 11

This paper presents estimates of the water and chlorine contents in the subsurface of Gale crater based on the measurements by the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) instrument onboard the NASA Curiosity rover. It is Part 1 of a two-paper series. Data derived both from DAN active and passive measurements are presented in discrete surface areas (pixels) assuming a homogeneous distribution of water within the DAN sensing depth (60 cm) along the traverse of the rover. It is shown that the content of ...[more]

PMID: 36588803

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Project description:NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, with its Curiosity rover, has been exploring Gale crater (5.4° S, 137.8° E) since 2012 with the goal of assessing the potential of Mars to support life. The mission has compiled compelling evidence that the crater basin accumulated sediment transported by marginal rivers into lakes that likely persisted for millions of years approximately 3.6 Ga ago in the early Hesperian. Geochemical and mineralogical assessments indicate that environmental conditions within this timeframe would have been suitable for sustaining life, if it ever were present. Fluids simultaneously circulated in the subsurface and likely existed through the dry phases of lake bed exposure and aeolian deposition, conceivably creating a continuously habitable subsurface environment that persisted to less than 3 Ga in the early Amazonian. A diversity of organic molecules has been preserved, though degraded, with evidence for more complex precursors. Solid samples show highly variable isotopic abundances of sulfur, chlorine, and carbon. In situ studies of modern wind-driven sediment transport and multiple large and active aeolian deposits have led to advances in understanding bedform development and the initiation of saltation. Investigation of the modern atmosphere and environment has improved constraints on the timing and magnitude of atmospheric loss, revealed the presence of methane and the crater's influence on local meteorology, and provided measurements of high-energy radiation at Mars' surface in preparation for future crewed missions. Rover systems and science instruments remain capable of addressing all key scientific objectives. Emphases on advance planning, flexibility, operations support work, and team culture have allowed the mission team to maintain a high level of productivity in spite of declining rover power and funding.Supplementary informationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11214-022-00882-7.

Dataset Information

Water and Chlorine in the Martian Subsurface Along the Traverse of NASA's Curiosity Rover: 1. DAN Measurement Profiles Along the Traverse.

Publications

Water and Chlorine in the Martian Subsurface Along the Traverse of NASA's Curiosity Rover: 1. DAN Measurement Profiles Along the Traverse.

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