Pancam Mosaic
View a larger image (1.3 MB) or learn about other sol 26 images.
Sol 26 was the last day of the FIDO mission. This 18-image mosaic
(6 each in three colors) of a near-field outcrop and far-field canyon wall
captures many of the important results of FIDO's expedition: the layered
rocks indicate the action of ancient water; the cobbly surface,
light-toned soils and small channels indicate recent or contemporary
water flow, and the puffy white clouds in the sky indicate the potential
for precipitation. Even in its rocks and geology, the Earth reveals itself
to be a world dominated by the presence and abundance of water.
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Mike Malin |
Mike Malin of Malin Space Science Systems explains, "Geologists
learn to read many signs of past processes from the configuration of the
surface. For example, examination of the distant canyon wall shows a
steep upper slope and a more gentle lower slope. The lower slope
consists of debris shed from the upper slope. The position of the
transition between steep and shallower slope is related to the rates at
which the steep part is eroding to supply material to the shallower part,
and the rate at which materials in the lower slope are themselves broken
down and transported away from the cliff by water or wind. The slopes
we see are very characteristic of semi-arid environments: the erosion of
the upper slope occurs more-or-less randomly by landslides; the removal of
debris from the lower slope is equally random, and occurs on average
less often then a collapse, leading to net accumulation of the
lower slope."
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John Callas |
John Callas, Science Manager for the Mars Exploration Rover project
expressed his appreciation and admiration for the team on an
outstanding job during the FIDO Field Test. "The test by all
measures was a great success. This success is a direct result of the
contribution made by each of the FIDO team members. Everyone
demonstrated commitment, talent, professionalism and enthusiasm to
the task. It gives me great confidence that we can do this at Mars."