Reconstructing the Aqueous History of Gale Crater from Mars Science Laboratory Operations

Comparison of rock observations on the plains within the landing ellipse to those explored in the foothills of Mt. Sharp during the extended mission phases, will help reconstruct the complex geologic history that occurred on early Mars using data collected by the Mastcam, Navcam, MAHLI and RMI instruments. The investigation seeks to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the history of water at Gale crater through the following research activities: (1) planning and advocacy for instrument observations of key outcrops identified from analysis of orbital and ground-based images through both the strategic and tactical operational process, (2) description of sedimentary rock characteristics at hand-lens to outcrop scale to determine depositional environment, (3) assess the timing, duration and conditions of environmental transitions, and (4) document findings in conference presentations and peer review publications.