The size-frequency and areal distribution of rock clasts at the Spirit landing site, Gusev Crater, Mars

Abstract

Size-frequency and nearest neighbor spacing measurements derived from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's Panoramic Camera images of the Gusev landing site reveal that rock clasts on the intercrater plains are smaller, better sorted, and more evenly spaced than clasts found near the crater rims. The even clast spacing is interpreted to be due to wind transport, which acts to minimize surface roughness during periods of high velocity wind. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.