Meridiani Planum: Drenched
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2004/02mar_meridianiwater.htm


This article describes the discovery that long ago, parts of Mars were soaked in liquid water, according to scientists analyzing data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) rover Opportunity. Jarosite, a hydrated iron sulfate mineral that could result from the target rock spending time in an acidic lake or hot springs environment was detected. Photographs taken by the rover reveal holes or vugs with spheres embedded in outcrop rocks. Some of the spherules appear to have stripes that correspond to layering of the matrix rock around them. These are clues of standing water or saturation. This site features a link for the latest information about Spirit and Opportunity and is enhanced by a photograph, a spectrogram, and either streaming or downloadable audio.

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This resource originally cataloged at:

DLESE

Subject: Geoscience:Lunar and Planetary Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12)
Theme: Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Planetary Science