The Prow outcrop (Mars), color version

3D ModelNoAI

This is a high-resolution Digital Outcrop Model of the outcrop informally named “The Prow” in the lower sulfate unit of Gale crater (Mars), and explored by the Curiosity rover in January 2022.

The model was made from 3184 Navcam and Mastcam images taken between sols 3351 and 3354. The images are available on the JPL Raw archive.

This outcrop shows very well exposed cross-stratifications en other sedimentary structures of various scale, linked to a fluvio-aeolian depositional settings, where rivers flowed in-between sand dunes, incising channels that progressively dried out at oxbow lakes and ponds.

Some recent dry flows are also visible in the fine sand just in front of the outcrop, maybe due to the rover’s arrival and many movement there (see tracks)?

Model by Gwénaël Caravaca