A5087821331- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Marine and environmental studies
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Geological formations and processes
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils
- Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma
- Aeolian processes and effects
- Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
- Hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysis
- Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis
- Polar Research and Ecology
- Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Geological Studies and Exploration
- Diverse Educational Innovations Studies
- Calibration and Measurement Techniques
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- earthquake and tectonic studies
- Space exploration and regulation
- Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis
Georgia Institute of Technology
2021-2024
Dartmouth College
2018-2022
University of California, Davis
2015-2020
Hanover College
2020
Dartmouth Hospital
2019-2020
Planetary Science Institute
2018
Physical Sciences (United States)
2018
Ames Research Center
2016
Earth and Space Research
2013
University of Washington
2013
Abstract Reconstruction of the palaeoenvironmental context Martian sedimentary rocks is central to studies ancient habitability and regional palaeoclimate history. This paper reports analysis a distinct aeolian deposit preserved in Gale crater, Mars, evaluates its palaeomorphology, processes responsible for deposition, implications crater geological history palaeoclimate. Whilst exploring succession cropping out on northern flank Aeolis Mons, Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity...
Abstract Recent robotic missions to Mars have offered new insights into the extent, diversity and habitability of Martian sedimentary rock record. Since Curiosity rover landed in Gale crater August 2012, Science Laboratory Team has explored origins ancient fluvial, deltaic, lacustrine aeolian deposits preserved within crater. This study describes sedimentology a ca 13 m thick succession named Pahrump Hills member Murray formation, first fine‐grained deposit discovered situ on Mars. work...
Abstract For ~500 Martian solar days (sols), the Mars Science Laboratory team explored Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), a topographic feature on northwest slope of Aeolis Mons. Here we review sedimentary facies and stratigraphy observed during sols 1,800–2,300, covering more than 100 m stratigraphic thickness. Curiosity's traverse includes two transects across ridge, which enables investigation lateral variability over distance ~300 m. Three informally named members Murray formation are described:...
The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is traversing a sequence of stratified sedimentary rocks in Gale crater that contain varied eolian, fluviodeltaic, and lake deposits, with phyllosilicates, iron oxides, sulfate salts. Here, we report the chloride salt distribution along traverse. Chlorine detected at low levels (<3 wt.%) soil rock targets multiple MSL instruments. Isolated fine-scale observations high chlorine (up to ≥15 wt.% Cl), using ChemCam instrument, are associated elevated...
Between January 2019 and 2021, the Mars Science Laboratory team explored Glen Torridon (GT) region in Gale crater (Mars), known for its orbital detection of clay minerals. Mastcam, Hand Lens Imager, ChemCam data are used an integrated sedimentological geochemical study to characterize Jura member upper Murray formation Knockfarril Hill overlying Carolyn Shoemaker northern GT. The studied strata show a progressive transition represented by interfingering beds fine-grained, recessive mudstones...
Abstract Images from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission of lacustrine sedimentary rocks Vera Rubin ridge on “Mt. Sharp” in Gale crater, Mars, have shown stark color variations red to purple gray. These differences crosscut stratigraphy and are likely due diagenetic alteration sediments after deposition. However, chemistry timing these fluid interactions is unclear. Determining how processes may modified chemical mineralogical signatures ancient Martian environments critical for...
Abstract The lowermost exposure of the Murray formation in Gale crater, Mars, was interpreted as sediment deposited an ancient lake based on data collected by Curiosity rover. Constraining stratigraphic extent and duration this environment has important implications for paleohydrology Gale. Insights into early Martian environments paleofluid flow velocity can be obtained from grain size rocks. Visual inspection is not always available rocks investigated at field sites Mars due to limited...
Abstract Deltaic deposits mapped along the Martian crustal dichotomy boundary scarp have been suggested to delineate an ancient ocean in northern lowlands of Mars. Using recently acquired orbital data, we expanded delta inventory and performed updated analysis front elevations, a proxy for paleo‐water levels. Our focused near Gale crater, home Curiosity rover. We found that elevations vary by approximately 2,400 m, but these elevation variations do not correspond modeled deformation from...
Abstract Aeolian processes have shaped and contributed to the geological record in Gale crater, Mars, long after fluviolacustrine system existed ∼3 Ga ago. Understanding these aeolian deposits, particularly those which been lithified show evidence for aqueous alteration, can help constrain environment at their time of deposition role liquid water later Mars' history. The NASA Curiosity rover investigated a prominent outcrop sandstone within Stimson formation Greenheugh pediment as part its...
Abstract This study utilizes instruments from the Curiosity rover payload to develop an integrated paleoenvironmental and compositional reconstruction for 65‐m thick interval of stratigraphy comprising Hartmann's Valley Karasburg members Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars. The consists cross‐stratified sandstone (Facies 1), planar‐laminated 2), mudstone 3). Facies 1 is composed showing truncated sets concave‐curvilinear laminae stacked into cosets. Sets are estimated be meter‐to...
Abstract This study uses data from the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover to document facies of Sutton Island member Murray formation, interpret paleoenvironments, and establish key stratigraphic transitions at Gale crater. Two associations were identified: Facies Association 1 (FA1) 2 (FA2). Individual in FA1 include planar‐laminated mudstone with minor intervals planar sandstone, ripple cross‐laminated cross‐stratified alternating laminated sandstone mudstone. Meter‐thick packages are...
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)
Heterolithic, boulder-containing, pebble-strewn surfaces occur along the lower slopes of Aeolis Mons ("Mt. Sharp") in Gale crater, Mars. They were observed HiRISE images acquired from orbit prior to landing Curiosity rover. The rover was used investigate three these units named Blackfoot, Brandberg, and Bimbe between sols 1099 1410. These unconsolidated overlie Murray formation that forms base Mt. Sharp, consist pebbles, cobbles boulders. Blackfoot also overlies portions Stimson formation,...
Abstract Fine‐scale (submillimeter to centimeter) depositional and diagenetic features encountered during the Curiosity rover's traverse in Gale crater provide a means understand geologic history of Vera Rubin ridge (VRR). VRR is topographically high feature on lower north slope Aeolis Mons, 5‐km stratified mound within crater. We use high‐spatial resolution images from Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) as well grain sizes estimated with Gini index mean score technique that uses ChemCam...
Abstract Manganese has been observed on Mars by the NASA Curiosity rover in a variety of contexts and is an important indicator redox processes hydrologic systems Earth. Within Murray formation, ancient primarily fine‐grained lacustrine sedimentary deposit Gale crater, Mars, have up to 45× enrichment manganese 1.5× iron within coarser grained bedrock targets compared mean sediment composition. This coincides with transition between two stratigraphic units Murray: Sutton Island, interpreted...
Abstract Perennially ice‐covered lakes can have significantly different facies than open‐water because sediment is transported onto the ice, where it accumulates, and sand grains preferentially melt through to be deposited on lake floor. To characterize in these lakes, sedimentary deposits from five Antarctic perennially were described using lake‐bottom observations, underwater video images, cores. One was dominated by laminated microbial mats mud (derived an abutting glacier), with...