Curiosity to investigate strange ‘mud cracks’ on Martian surface
NASA’s Curiosity rover has found evidence of formerly muddy ground on Mars, according to a recent news release from the space agency.
In recent weeks, NASA scientists have been investigating pieces of stone cross-hatched with small ridges, which seems to have formed as cracks in drying mud. The Curiosity team has been particular focused on a triangular slab of rock they dubbed “Old Soaker.”
“Mud cracks are the most likely scenario here,” said Nathan Stein, a Curiosity science team member. “Even from a distance, we could see a pattern of four- and five-sided polygons that don’t look like fractures we’ve seen previously with Curiosity.
“It looks like what you’d see beside the road where muddy ground has dried and cracked,” he added.
Could be the First Mud Cracks Found by the Mission
If the team were able to confirm this origin story, it would be the first mud cracks found by this rover mission. Curiosity has discovered proof of ancient lakes in older, lower-lying stone layers as well as in younger mudstone that sits above Old Soaker.
The cracked exterior was established more than 3 billion years ago and was then buried by other layers of sediment, forming into stratified stone. Later, wind erosion stripped the layers above Old Soaker. Material that had stuffed the cracks was more erosion resistant, leaving a pattern of raised ridges.
The team used Curiosity to investigate material that filled in the cracks in Old Soaker, mostly windblown dust or sand. Another kind of cracking with numerous examples discovered by Curiosity occurs after sediments have solidified into stone. Pressure from the buildup of overlying sediments can result in underground cracks in the stone. These fractures usually have been stuffed by minerals carried by groundwater moving through the cracks, often creating veins of calcium sulfate.
Both kinds of crack-filling material were discovered at Old Soaker. This may reveal several generations of breaking: First the mud cracks first, then sediment accumulates in the cracks, then underground fracturing occurs and finally veins develop.
“If these are indeed mud cracks, they fit well with the context of what we’re seeing in the section of Mount Sharp Curiosity has been climbing for many months,” said Ashwin Vasavada, a Curiosity scientist at NASA. “The ancient lakes varied in depth and extent over time, and sometimes disappeared. We’re seeing more evidence of dry intervals between what had been mostly a record of long-lived lakes.”
—–
Image credit: NASA JPL
The post Curiosity to investigate strange ‘mud cracks’ on Martian surface appeared first on Redorbit.
redOrbit.com
offers Science, Space, Technology, Health news, videos, images and reference information. For the latest science news, space news, technology news, health news visit redOrbit.com frequently. Learn something new every day.”
Source: http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1113417143/curiosity-to-investigate-strange-mud-cracks-on-martian-surface/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
