- Original Caption Released with Image:
-
This false-color composite image, taken at a region of the rock outcrop
dubbed "Shoemaker's Patio" near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's
landing site, shows finely layered sediments, which have been accentuated
by erosion. The sphere-like grains or "blueberries" distributed throughout
the outcrop can be seen lining up with individual layers. This observation
indicates that the spherules are geologic features called concretions,
which form in pre-existing wet sediments. Other sphere-like grains, such
as impact spherules or volcanic lapilli (fragments of material etween 2
and 64 millimeters or .08 and 2.5 inches in maximum dimension that are
ejected from a volcano) are thought to be deposited with sediments and
thus would form layers distinct from those of the rocks. This image was
captured by the rover's panoramic camera on the 50th martian day, or sol,
of the mission. Data from the camera's infrared, green and violet filters
were used to create this false-color picture.
- Image Credit:
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NASA/JPL/Cornell
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