Photogeologic Map of the Perseverance Rover Field Site in Jezero Crater Constructed by the Mars 2020 Science Team
Author(s)
Stack, Kathryn M
Williams, Nathan R
Calef, Fred
Sun, Vivian Z
Williford, Kenneth H
Farley, Kenneth A
Eide, Sigurd
Flannery, David
Hughes, Cory
Jacob, Samantha R
Date Issued
November 2020
Journal
Space Science Reviews
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Citation
Space Science Reviews. 2020 Nov 03;216(8):127
Version
Author's final manuscript
Abstract
Abstract
The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landing site is located within Jezero crater, a
∼
50
km
$\sim50~\mbox{km}$
diameter impact crater interpreted to be a Noachian-aged lake basin inside the western edge of the Isidis impact structure. Jezero hosts remnants of a fluvial delta, inlet and outlet valleys, and infill deposits containing diverse carbonate, mafic, and hydrated minerals. Prior to the launch of the Mars 2020 mission, members of the Science Team collaborated to produce a photogeologic map of the Perseverance landing site in Jezero crater. Mapping was performed at a 1:5000 digital map scale using a 25 cm/pixel High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) orthoimage mosaic base map and a 1 m/pixel HiRISE stereo digital terrain model. Mapped bedrock and surficial units were distinguished by differences in relative brightness, tone, topography, surface texture, and apparent roughness. Mapped bedrock units are generally consistent with those identified in previously published mapping efforts, but this study’s map includes the distribution of surficial deposits and sub-units of the Jezero delta at a higher level of detail than previous studies. This study considers four possible unit correlations to explain the relative age relationships of major units within the map area. Unit correlations include previously published interpretations as well as those that consider more complex interfingering relationships and alternative relative age relationships. The photogeologic map presented here is the foundation for scientific hypothesis development and strategic planning for Perseverance’s exploration of Jezero crater.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Haystack Observatory
Terms of Use
Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00739-x
