The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landing site is located within Jezero crater, a ∼ 50 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.
The Radar Imager for Mars Subsurface Experiment instrument has conducted the first rover-mounted ground-penetrating radar survey of the Martian subsurface. A continuous radar image acquired over the Perseverance rover’s initial ~3-kilometer traverse reveals electromagnetic properties and bedrock stratigraphy of the Jezero crater floor to depths of ~15 meters below the surface. The radar image reveals the presence of ubiquitous strongly reflecting layered sequences that dip downward at angles of up to 15 degrees from horizontal in directions normal to the curvilinear boundary of and away from the exposed section of the Séitah formation. The observed slopes, thicknesses, and internal morphology of the inclined stratigraphic sections can be interpreted either as magmatic layering formed in a differentiated igneous body or as sedimentary layering commonly formed in aqueous environments on Earth. The discovery of buried structures on the Jezero crater floor is potentially compatible with a history of igneous activity and a history of multiple aqueous episodes.
Elverhl, A.: The Janusfjellet Subgroup (Bathonian to Hauterivian) on central Spitsbergen: a revised lithostratigraphy. Polar Research 9(1), 21-43. The Janusfjellet Subgroup is a marine shelf to prodeltaic succession dominated by shales with subordinate siltstones and sandstones. The subgroup comprises a lower Agardhfjellet (Upper Bathonian -Berriasian) and an upper Rurikfjellet (Berriasian -Hauterivian) formation. Based on field work in central Spitsbergen the following subdivisions of the formations are proposed (units listed in ascending order).The Agardhfjellet Formation (up to 290 m thick) contains four members: Oppdalena fining upwards succession from conglomerates to shales; Lardyfjelletblack paper shales; Oppdalsitagrey shales with siltstones and sandstones; and SlottsmQyagrey shales and black paper shales. Within the Oppdalen Member three beds are recognised: Brentskardhaugenphosphoritic conglomerate; Marhogdaglauconitic sandstones; and Dronbreensiltstones and shales.The Rurikfjellet Formation (thickness up to 226 m) is composed of two members: Wimanfjelletgrey and partly silty shale sequence, containing the Myklegardfjellet Bed (of plastic clays) at its base; and Ullabergetsilty and sandy shales with siltstones and sandstones.
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