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Lauren Edgar, Ph.D.

Dr. Lauren Edgar is a Research Geologist studying the Earth, Moon, and Mars through a combination of remote sensing and field techniques, to support robotic and human exploration of the Solar System. 

Dr. Edgar’s work involves operating Mars rovers, providing field training to support human exploration, and conducting terrestrial analog studies. Lauren leads the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program, which focuses on training, research, data archiving and sample collections to support analog work.  Her research aims to understand planetary surface processes through the use of rover and orbital observations and field analogs.   She has experience with field characterization of terrestrial sedimentary and volcanic environments, geologic mapping, sample collection and processing, analysis of remote sensing data, and mission operations.  Dr. Edgar has more than 15 years of mission operations experience in support of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Mars Exploration Rovers (MER).  She is involved in facilitating geology training for NASA engineers, managers, astronauts, and mission teams, as well as field analog simulations to prepare for NASA’s Artemis Program, including participation in NASA’s Joint Extravehicular Activity (EVA) & Human Surface Mobility Test Team (JETT) and Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS). 

Lauren is also passionate about science communication and outreach.  She regularly participates in school visits, public lectures, mission blogs, science curriculum development, and community outreach events.

Professional Experience

  • 2014–present: Research Geologist, USGS

  • 2012–2014: Postdoctoral Fellow, Arizona State University

Education and Certifications

  • 2013 – Ph.D., Geology, California Institute of Technology

  • 2009 – M.S., Geology, California Institute of Technology

  • 2007 – B.A., Earth Sciences modified with Engineering, Honors, Dartmouth College

Honors and Awards

  • NASA Group Achievement Awards for MER and MSL Science and Operations Teams, 2014–2017

  • USGS Star Awards, 2017, 2019

  • USGS Peer Award, 2020

Abstracts and Presentations

  • Edgar, L.A., Skinner, J.A., Young, K.E., Achilles, C.N., Bell, E.R., Britton, A.B., Cardman, Z.M., Cohen, B.A., Fagan, A.L., Feustel, A.J., Garcia, A.H., Garry, W.B., Graff, T.G., Hurtado, J.M., Jacob, S., Richardson, J.A., Miller, M.J., Nawotniak, S.K., Trainor, C.M., Yingst, A.R., Caswell, T.E., Coan, D., Theriot, I., Scheib, B.H., Kostak, C.L., Lindsey, J., Welsh, D., and Tejral, Z, 2023. Fiel

  • Edgar, L.A., Skinner, J.A., Bleacher, J.E., Evans, C.A., Graff, T.G., Hurtado, J.M., and Young, K.E., 2022. Training for Planetary Exploration in Analog Terrains: The Value of Northern Arizona and the Colorado Plateau, in: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. p. 2282.

  • Edgar, L.A., Skinner, J.A., Keszthelyi, L.P., Hagerty, J.J., 2021. Science Backroom Training for Lunar Exploration: Analog Training in Northern Arizona, in: Lunar Surface Science Workshop, p. 3020.

  • Edgar, L.A., Rumpf, M.E., Skinner, J.A., Gullikson, A.Ll, Keszthelyi, L., Hunter, M.A., Gaither, T, 2021. Assessing and Supporting Community Needs for Terrestrial Analog Studies, in: Workshop on Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Exploration.

  • Edgar, L.A., Wheeler, B.H., Ort, M.H., 2020. Criteria to Distinguish Eolian, Fluvial, and Volcanic Deposits on Mars: Lessons Learned from Terrestrial Analog Studies. Proceedings of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. p. 2159.

  • Edgar, L.A., Skinner, J.A., Fortezzo, C.M., Bennett, K.A., 2020. Geologic Mapping and Stratigraphic Analyses in South-Western Melas Chasma, Mars: Year 2 Progress. Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting, 7040.

  • Edgar, L.A., Wheeler, B.H., and Ort, M.H., 2020. Criteria to Distinguish Eolian, Fluvial, and Volcanic Deposits on Mars: Lessons Learned from Terrestrial Analog Studies, Lunar and Planetary Science Conference p. 2159.

  • Edgar, L.A., Skinner, J.A., Fortezzo, C.M., Bennett, K.A., 2019. Geologic Mapping and Stratigraphic Analyses in South-Western Melas Chasma, Mars: Year 1 Progress. Planetary Geologic Mappers Meeting, 7018.

  • Edgar, L.A., Fedo, C.M., Fraeman, A.A., Gupta, S., Grotzinger, J.P., Stack, K.M., Banham, S.G., Stein, N., Edgett, K.S., Rubin, D.M., 2018a. Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of the Murray Formation, Observed by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, in: GSA - Joint 70th Rocky Mountain Annual Section / 114th Cordilleran Annual Section Meeting.

  • Edgar, L.A., Fraeman, A.A., Gupta, S., Fedo, C.M., Grotzinger, J.P., Stack, K.M., Bennett, K.A., Sun, V.Z., Banham, S.G., Stein, N.T., 2018b. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Observed at Vera Rubin Ridge by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, in: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. p. 1704.

  • Edgar, L.A., Fraeman, A., Gupta, S., Fedo, C., Grotzinger, J.P., Stack, K., Bennett, K.A., Sun, V.Z., Banham, S., Stein, N., Edgett, K.S., Rubin, D.M., House, C.H., van Beek, J., 2018c. A Lacustrine Environment Recorded at Vera Rubin Ridge: Overview of the Sedimentology and Stratigraphy observed by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2018

  • Edgar, L.A., Wheeler, B., Ort, M.H., 2018d. Using Terrestrial Analogs to Distinguishing Eolian, Fluvial, and Volcanic Deposits on Mars. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2018, P31H–3797–3797.

  • Edgar, L.A., Anderson, R.B., Gaither, T.A., Milazzo, M.P., Vaughan, R.G., Rubino-Hare, L., Clark, J., Ryan, S., 2017a. Water in the Solar System: The Development of Science Education Curriculum Focused on Planetary Exploration. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2017, ED53H–0226–0226.

  • Edgar, L.A., Calef, F.J., Thomson, B.J., 2017b. The Depositional and Erosional History of Northwestern Aeolis Mons, Gale Crater, Mars: Insights from Detailed 1:2K Geologic Mapping. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2017, EP53B–1697–1697.

  • Edgar, L.A., Calef, F.J., Thomson, B.J., Anderson, R.B., 2017c. Geologic Mapping of Northwestern Aeolis Mons, Gale Crater, Mars: Context for the Mars Science Laboratory Extended Mission Traverse, in: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. p. 1964.

  • Edgar, L.A., Gupta, S., Williams, R.M.E., Rubin, D., Edgett, K., Schieber, J., Grotzinger, J.P., Banham, S.G., Le Deit, L., Lewis, K., Mangold, N., Stack, K., 2016a. Sedimentary Facies Observed by the Curiosity Rover at Gale Crater, Mars. Proceedings of the International Association of Sedimentologists 32.

  • Edgar, L.A., Skinner, J.A., 2016b. 1:75K-Scale Geologic Mapping of Southwestern Melas Chasma, Mars. Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 1920, 7016.

  • Edgar, L.A., 2015. Exploring the Sedimentary Rock Record of Mars: Insights Gained from the Opportunity and Curiosity Rovers, in: Geological Society of America. pp. 71–11.

  • Edgar, L.A., Rubin, D.M., Schieber, J., Gupta, S., Williams, R.M.E., Stack, K., Rice, M.S., Grotzinger, J.P., Lewis, K.W., Malin, M.C., Sumner, D.Y., Bell, J.F., Edgett, K.S., 2014a. Reconstructing Ancient Fluvial Environments at the Balmville and Dingo Gap Outcrops, Gale Crater, Mars. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2014, P42C– 05–05.

Science and Products

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Great Sand Dunes

Surface - Atmosphere interaction

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
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Surface - Atmosphere interaction

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Learn More
link
SP Crater Arizona

Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center, Planetary Geologic Mapping
link

Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 31

Geology and stratigraphic correlation of the Murray and Carolyn Shoemaker formations across the Glen Torridon region, Gale crater, Mars

The Glen Torridon (GT) region within Gale crater, Mars, occurs in contact with the southern side of Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), a well-defined geomorphic feature that is comparatively resistant to erosion. Prior to detailed ground-based investigation of GT, its geologic relationship with VRR was unknown. Distinct lithologic subunits within the Jura member (Murray formation), which forms the upper part
Authors
Christopher M. Fedo, Alexander Bryk, Lauren A. Edgar, Kristen A. Bennett, Valerie K. Fox, William E. Dietrich, Steve G. Banham, Sanjeev Gupta, Kathryn M. Stack, Rebecca Williams, John P. Grotzinger, Nathan Stein, Dave Rubin, Gwenael Caravaca, Ray E. Arvidson, Madison N Hughes, Abigail A. Fraeman, Ashwin R. Vasavada, Juergen Schieber, Brad Sutter
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Sedimentological and geochemical perspectives on a marginal lake environment recorded in the Hartmann’s Valley and Karasburg members of the Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars

This study utilizes instruments from the Curiosity rover payload to develop an integrated paleoenvironmental and compositional reconstruction for the 65-m thick interval of stratigraphy comprising the Hartmann's Valley and Karasburg members of the Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars. The stratigraphy consists of cross-stratified sandstone (Facies 1), planar-laminated sandstone (Facies 2), and plan
Authors
Samantha Gwizd, Christopher M. Fedo, John P. Grotzinger, Steven G. Banham, Frances Rivera-Hernandez, Kathryn M. Stack, Kirsten L. Siebach, Michael T. Thorpe, Lucy Thompson, Catherine O'Connell-Cooper, Nathan Stein, Lauren A. Edgar, Sanjeev Gupta, David M. Rubin, Dawn Sumner, Ashwin R. Vasavada
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Thermophysical and compositional properties of paleobedforms on Mars

Bedforms on Earth and Mars are often preserved in the rock record in the form of sedimentary rock with distinct cross-bedding. On rare occasions, the full-surface geometry of a bedform can be preserved through burial and lithification. These features, known as paleobedforms, are found in a variety of geographic locations on Mars. Evidence in the morphology of paleobedforms, such as the retention o
Authors
Aaron R. Weintraub, Christopher S. Edwards, Matthew Chojnacki, Lauren A. Edgar, Lori K. Fenton, Sylvain Piqueux, Amber Gullikson
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Evidence for fluctuating wind in shaping an ancient Martian dune field: The Stimson formation at the Greenheugh pediment, Gale crater

Temporal fluctuations of wind strength and direction can influence aeolian bedform morphology and orientation, which can be encoded into the architecture of aeolian deposits. These strata represent a direct record of atmospheric processes and can be used to understand ancient Martian atmospheric processes as well as those on Earth. The strata can: give insight to ancient atmospheric circulation, h
Authors
Steven G. Banham, Sanjeev Gupta, David M. Rubin, Candice C. Bedford, Lauren A. Edgar, Alexander Bryk, Williiam E. Dietrich, Christopher M. Fedo, Rebecca M. E. Williams, Gwenael Caravaca, Robert Barnes, Gerhard Paar, Thomas Ortner, Ashwin R. Vasavada
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

The Curiosity Rover’s exploration of Glen Torridon, Gale crater, Mars: An overview of the campaign and scientific results

The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, explored the clay mineral-bearing Glen Torridon region for one martian year between January 2019 and January 2021, including a short campaign onto the Greenheugh pediment. The Glen Torridon campaign sought to characterize the geology of the area, seek evidence of habitable environments, and document the onset of a potentially global climatic transition
Authors
Kristen A. Bennett, Valerie K. Fox, Alexander Bryk, William E. Dietrich, Christopher M. Fedo, Lauren A. Edgar, Michael T. Thorpe, Amy Williams, Gregory M. Wong, Erwin Dehouck, Amy McAdam, Brad Sutter, Maeva Millan, Steven Banham, Candice C. Bedford, Thomas F. Bristow, Abigail A. Fraeman, Ashwin R. Vasavada, John P. Grotzinger, Lucy Thompson, Catherine O'Connell-Cooper, Patrick J. Gasda, Amanda Rudolph, Robert Sullivan, Ray E. Arvidson, Agnes Cousin, Briony H. N. Horgan, Kathryn M. Stack, Allan H. Treiman, Jennifer Eigenbrode, Gwenael Caravaca
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Orbital and in-situ investigation of periodic bedrock ridges in Glen Torridon, Gale Crater, Mars

Wind has been the dominant agent of landscape modification on Mars for the past ~3 billion years. Among the diversity of features formed by aeolian abrasion on the surface of Mars are periodic bedrock ridges (PBRs), a relatively recently recognized class of erosional bedforms on Mars for which Earth analogues are rare. Gale crater, the field site for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover
Authors
K. M. Stack, W. E. Dietrich, M. P. Lamb, Robert Sullivan, John R. Christian, Claire E Newman, Catherine O'Connell-Cooper, Jonathan W Sneed, Mackenzie D. Day, Mariah Baker, R. A. Arvidson, Christopher M. Fedo, Sabrina Khan, Rebecca Williams, Kristen A. Bennett, A. B. Bryk, Shannon Cofield, Lauren A. Edgar, V. F. Fox, Abigail A. Fraeman, Christopher H House, D. M. Rubin, Vivian Z. Sun, Jason K. Van Beek
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Ancient winds, waves, and atmosphere in Gale Crater, Mars, inferred from sedimentary structures and wave modeling

Wave modeling and analysis of sedimentary structures were used to evaluate whether four examples of symmetrical, reversing, or straight-crested bedforms in Gale crater sandstones are preserved wave ripples; deposition by waves would demonstrate that the lake was not covered by ice at that time. Wave modeling indicates that regardless of atmospheric density, winds that exceeded the threshold of aeo
Authors
DM Rubin, MAG Lapotre, Andrew W. Stevens, MP Lamb, CM Fedo, JP Grotzinger, S. Gupta, KM Stack, AR Vasavada, SG Banham, AB Bryk, G. Caravaca, JP Christian, Lauren A. Edgar, M. C. Malin
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Astrogeology Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Diagenesis of Vera Rubin ridge, Gale crater, Mars from Mastcam multispectral images

Images from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission of lacustrine sedimentary rocks of Vera Rubin ridge on “Mt. Sharp” in Gale crater, Mars, have shown stark color variations from red to purple to gray. These color differences crosscut stratigraphy and are likely due to diagenetic alteration of the sediments after deposition. However, the chemistry and timing of these fluid interactions is uncle
Authors
Briony H. N. Horgan, Jeffrey R. Johnson, Abigail A. Fraeman, Melissa Rice, Christina Seeger, James F. Bell, Kristen A. Bennett, Edward A. Cloutis, Lauren A. Edgar, Jens Frydenvang, John P. Grotzinger, Jonas L'Haridon, Samantha Jacob, Nicolas Mangold, Elizabeth B. Rampe, Frances Rivera-Hernandez, Vivian Z. Sun, Lucy Thompson, Danika F. Wellington
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Workshop on terrestrial analogs for planetary exploration

Terrestrial analogs are an important part of the robotic and human exploration of the solar system. One of the main recommendations from a community survey conducted in 2019 was to hold a workshop to increase communication and share resources among scientists, engineers, data managers, educators, and students who are involved, or hope to be involved, in terrestrial analog studies.
Authors
Lauren A. Edgar, Amber Gullikson, M. Elise Rumpf, James Skinner
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

A geologic field guide to S P Mountain and its lava flow, San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona

IntroductionWe created this guide to introduce the user to the San Francisco Volcanic Field as a terrestrial analog site for planetary volcanic processes. For decades, the San Francisco Volcanic Field has been used to teach scientists to recognize the products of common types of volcanic eruptions and associated volcanic features. The volcanic processes and products observed in this volcanic field
Authors
Amber L. Gullikson, M. Elise Rumpf, Lauren A. Edgar, Laszlo P. Keszthelyi, James A. Skinner, Lisa Thompson
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Astrogeology Science Center

A review of the phyllosilicates in Gale Crater as detected by the CheMin Instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory, Curiosity Rover

Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, landed on Mars in August 2012 to investigate the ~3.5-billion-year-old (Ga) fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary deposits of Aeolis Mons (informally known as Mount Sharp) and the surrounding plains (Aeolis Palus) in Gale crater. After nearly nine years, Curiosity has traversed over 25 km, and the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) X-ray diffraction instr
Authors
Valerie M. Tu, Elizabeth B. Rampe, Thomas F. Bristow, Michael T. Thorpe, Joanna V. Clark, Nicholas Castle, Abigail A. Fraeman, Lauren A. Edgar, Amy McAdam, Candice C. Bedford, Cherie N. Achilles, David Blake, Steve J. Chipera, Patricia I. Craig, David J. Des Marais, Gordie W. Downs, Robert T. Downs, Valerie K. Fox, John P. Grotzinger, Robert M. Hazen, Douglas W. Ming, Richard V. Morris, Shaunna M. Morrison, Betina Pavri, Tanya S. Peretyazhko, Philippe C. Sarazin, Brad Sutter, Allan H. Treiman, David T. Vaniman, Albert S. Yen, Jon C. Bridges
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

Solar-system-wide significance of Mars polar science

1. The North Polar Layered Deposits contain thousands of ice layers that record accumulation and climate history for at least several million years, making the most accessible and most complete climate record aside from the Earth’s – and the only one to record the impact of large obliquity shifts. 2. Mars Polar Science is a diverse and integrated system spanning much of the planet, above and below
Authors
I. B. Smith, Wendy M. Calvin, D. E. Smith, C. Hansen, S. Diniega, A.S. McEwen, N. Thomas, D. Banfield, Timothy N. Titus, P. Becerra, M. Kahre, F. Forget, M. Hecht, S. Byrne, C. S. Hvidberg, P. O. Hayne, J. W. Head III, M. Mellon, B. Horgan, J. Mustard, J. Holt, A. Howard, D. McCleese, C. Stoker, P. James, N. E. Putzig, J. Whitten, P. Buhler, A. Spiga, M. Crismani, K. M. Aye, A. Portyankina, R. Orosei, A. Bramson, J. Hanley, M. Sori, O. Aharonson, S. Clifford, H. Sizemore, G. Morgan, B. Hartmann, N. Schorghofer, R. Clark, D. Berman, D. Crown, F. Chuang, M. Siegler, E. N. Dobrea, K. Lynch, R. W. Obbard, M. R. Elmaary, D. Fisher, A. Kleinboehl, M. Balme, B. Schmitt, M. Daly, R. C. Ewing, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, L. Fenton, S. D. Guzewich, M. Koutnik, J. Levy, R. Massey, A. Łosiak, V. Eke, D. Goldsby, A. Cross, T. Hager, S. Piqueux, A Kereszturi, K. Seelos, S. Wood, E. Hauber, C. Amos, P. Russell, R. Jaumann, G. Michael, S. Conway, A. Khayat, S. Lewis, G. Luizzi, G. Martinez, K. Mesick, L. Montabone, Johnsson, A. Pankine, C. Phillips-Lander, P. Read, Lauren A. Edgar, K. Zacny, A. McAdam, A. Rutledge, T. Bertrand, J. Widmer, D. Stillman, A. Soto, Z. Yoldi, R. Young, A. Svensson, L. Sam, M. Landis, A. Bhardwaj, M. Chojnacki, E. Kite, P. Thomas, J. Plaut, J. Bapst, S. Milkovich, J. Whiteway, J. Moores, C. Rezza, R. Karimova, I. Mishev, A. Van Brenen, P. Acharya, J. Chesal, A. Pascuzzo, E. Vos, G. Osinski, C. Andres, C. Neisch, S. Hibbard, P. Sinha, J. P. Knightly, S. Cartwright, S. Kounaves, C. Orgel, M. Skidmore, J. MacGregor, R. Staehle, J. Rabassa, C. Gallagher, A. Coronato, A. G. Galofre, J. Wilson, L. McKeown, N. Oliveira, P. Fawdon, U. Gayathri, C. Stuurman, C. Herny, F. Butcher, F. Bernardini, M. Perry, R. Hu, S. Mukherjee, V. Chevrier, M. E. Banks, T. Meng, P. A. Johnson, B. Tober, J. C. Johnson, Ulamsec, J. C. Echaurren, A. Khuller, C. Dinwiddie, S. Adeli, B. L. Henderson, L. R. Lozano, D. Lalich, E. Rivera-Valentín, S. Nerozzi, E. Petersen, F. Foss, R. Lorenz, J. Eigenbrode, M. Day, A. Brown, M. Pajola, O. Karatekin, A. Lucchetti, C. Cesar, C. Newman, T. G. Cave, M. Mischna, M. Patel, P. Streeter, J. C. Stern, C. M. Dundas
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
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Curiosity Blogs: Sols 3998–4000: Four Thousand Sols of Exploration – NASA Mars Exploration

Scientists love to share the adventure of exploring Mars with the public, revealing their research and providing close-up views of the Martian terrain...

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Curiosity Blog | Sols 3946-3947: Onwards to Bishop

Dr. Lauren Edgar shares the tactical planning work done as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover mission for Earth planning date Monday...

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Sols 3895-3897: Navigating Through the Crater Cluster

Earth planning date: Friday, July 21, 2023

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Curiosity Blog | Sols 3853–3856: Time To Try a New Route

Dr. Lauren Edgar shares the tactical planning work she and others are doing as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover mission: This blog covers...

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Curiosity Blog: Sols 3744-3745: The One That Got Away…

The team was eagerly awaiting our downlink this morning to hear how the drill attempt from Sol 3742 went.

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Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Great Sand Dunes

    Surface - Atmosphere interaction

    The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
    link

    Surface - Atmosphere interaction

    The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
    Learn More
    link
    SP Crater Arizona

    Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

    The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
    By
    Core Science Systems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center, Planetary Geologic Mapping
    link

    Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)​

    The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
    Learn More
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 31

    Geology and stratigraphic correlation of the Murray and Carolyn Shoemaker formations across the Glen Torridon region, Gale crater, Mars

    The Glen Torridon (GT) region within Gale crater, Mars, occurs in contact with the southern side of Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), a well-defined geomorphic feature that is comparatively resistant to erosion. Prior to detailed ground-based investigation of GT, its geologic relationship with VRR was unknown. Distinct lithologic subunits within the Jura member (Murray formation), which forms the upper part
    Authors
    Christopher M. Fedo, Alexander Bryk, Lauren A. Edgar, Kristen A. Bennett, Valerie K. Fox, William E. Dietrich, Steve G. Banham, Sanjeev Gupta, Kathryn M. Stack, Rebecca Williams, John P. Grotzinger, Nathan Stein, Dave Rubin, Gwenael Caravaca, Ray E. Arvidson, Madison N Hughes, Abigail A. Fraeman, Ashwin R. Vasavada, Juergen Schieber, Brad Sutter
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Sedimentological and geochemical perspectives on a marginal lake environment recorded in the Hartmann’s Valley and Karasburg members of the Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars

    This study utilizes instruments from the Curiosity rover payload to develop an integrated paleoenvironmental and compositional reconstruction for the 65-m thick interval of stratigraphy comprising the Hartmann's Valley and Karasburg members of the Murray formation, Gale crater, Mars. The stratigraphy consists of cross-stratified sandstone (Facies 1), planar-laminated sandstone (Facies 2), and plan
    Authors
    Samantha Gwizd, Christopher M. Fedo, John P. Grotzinger, Steven G. Banham, Frances Rivera-Hernandez, Kathryn M. Stack, Kirsten L. Siebach, Michael T. Thorpe, Lucy Thompson, Catherine O'Connell-Cooper, Nathan Stein, Lauren A. Edgar, Sanjeev Gupta, David M. Rubin, Dawn Sumner, Ashwin R. Vasavada
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Thermophysical and compositional properties of paleobedforms on Mars

    Bedforms on Earth and Mars are often preserved in the rock record in the form of sedimentary rock with distinct cross-bedding. On rare occasions, the full-surface geometry of a bedform can be preserved through burial and lithification. These features, known as paleobedforms, are found in a variety of geographic locations on Mars. Evidence in the morphology of paleobedforms, such as the retention o
    Authors
    Aaron R. Weintraub, Christopher S. Edwards, Matthew Chojnacki, Lauren A. Edgar, Lori K. Fenton, Sylvain Piqueux, Amber Gullikson
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Evidence for fluctuating wind in shaping an ancient Martian dune field: The Stimson formation at the Greenheugh pediment, Gale crater

    Temporal fluctuations of wind strength and direction can influence aeolian bedform morphology and orientation, which can be encoded into the architecture of aeolian deposits. These strata represent a direct record of atmospheric processes and can be used to understand ancient Martian atmospheric processes as well as those on Earth. The strata can: give insight to ancient atmospheric circulation, h
    Authors
    Steven G. Banham, Sanjeev Gupta, David M. Rubin, Candice C. Bedford, Lauren A. Edgar, Alexander Bryk, Williiam E. Dietrich, Christopher M. Fedo, Rebecca M. E. Williams, Gwenael Caravaca, Robert Barnes, Gerhard Paar, Thomas Ortner, Ashwin R. Vasavada
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    The Curiosity Rover’s exploration of Glen Torridon, Gale crater, Mars: An overview of the campaign and scientific results

    The Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, explored the clay mineral-bearing Glen Torridon region for one martian year between January 2019 and January 2021, including a short campaign onto the Greenheugh pediment. The Glen Torridon campaign sought to characterize the geology of the area, seek evidence of habitable environments, and document the onset of a potentially global climatic transition
    Authors
    Kristen A. Bennett, Valerie K. Fox, Alexander Bryk, William E. Dietrich, Christopher M. Fedo, Lauren A. Edgar, Michael T. Thorpe, Amy Williams, Gregory M. Wong, Erwin Dehouck, Amy McAdam, Brad Sutter, Maeva Millan, Steven Banham, Candice C. Bedford, Thomas F. Bristow, Abigail A. Fraeman, Ashwin R. Vasavada, John P. Grotzinger, Lucy Thompson, Catherine O'Connell-Cooper, Patrick J. Gasda, Amanda Rudolph, Robert Sullivan, Ray E. Arvidson, Agnes Cousin, Briony H. N. Horgan, Kathryn M. Stack, Allan H. Treiman, Jennifer Eigenbrode, Gwenael Caravaca
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Orbital and in-situ investigation of periodic bedrock ridges in Glen Torridon, Gale Crater, Mars

    Wind has been the dominant agent of landscape modification on Mars for the past ~3 billion years. Among the diversity of features formed by aeolian abrasion on the surface of Mars are periodic bedrock ridges (PBRs), a relatively recently recognized class of erosional bedforms on Mars for which Earth analogues are rare. Gale crater, the field site for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover
    Authors
    K. M. Stack, W. E. Dietrich, M. P. Lamb, Robert Sullivan, John R. Christian, Claire E Newman, Catherine O'Connell-Cooper, Jonathan W Sneed, Mackenzie D. Day, Mariah Baker, R. A. Arvidson, Christopher M. Fedo, Sabrina Khan, Rebecca Williams, Kristen A. Bennett, A. B. Bryk, Shannon Cofield, Lauren A. Edgar, V. F. Fox, Abigail A. Fraeman, Christopher H House, D. M. Rubin, Vivian Z. Sun, Jason K. Van Beek
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Ancient winds, waves, and atmosphere in Gale Crater, Mars, inferred from sedimentary structures and wave modeling

    Wave modeling and analysis of sedimentary structures were used to evaluate whether four examples of symmetrical, reversing, or straight-crested bedforms in Gale crater sandstones are preserved wave ripples; deposition by waves would demonstrate that the lake was not covered by ice at that time. Wave modeling indicates that regardless of atmospheric density, winds that exceeded the threshold of aeo
    Authors
    DM Rubin, MAG Lapotre, Andrew W. Stevens, MP Lamb, CM Fedo, JP Grotzinger, S. Gupta, KM Stack, AR Vasavada, SG Banham, AB Bryk, G. Caravaca, JP Christian, Lauren A. Edgar, M. C. Malin
    By
    Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Astrogeology Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Diagenesis of Vera Rubin ridge, Gale crater, Mars from Mastcam multispectral images

    Images from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission of lacustrine sedimentary rocks of Vera Rubin ridge on “Mt. Sharp” in Gale crater, Mars, have shown stark color variations from red to purple to gray. These color differences crosscut stratigraphy and are likely due to diagenetic alteration of the sediments after deposition. However, the chemistry and timing of these fluid interactions is uncle
    Authors
    Briony H. N. Horgan, Jeffrey R. Johnson, Abigail A. Fraeman, Melissa Rice, Christina Seeger, James F. Bell, Kristen A. Bennett, Edward A. Cloutis, Lauren A. Edgar, Jens Frydenvang, John P. Grotzinger, Jonas L'Haridon, Samantha Jacob, Nicolas Mangold, Elizabeth B. Rampe, Frances Rivera-Hernandez, Vivian Z. Sun, Lucy Thompson, Danika F. Wellington
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Workshop on terrestrial analogs for planetary exploration

    Terrestrial analogs are an important part of the robotic and human exploration of the solar system. One of the main recommendations from a community survey conducted in 2019 was to hold a workshop to increase communication and share resources among scientists, engineers, data managers, educators, and students who are involved, or hope to be involved, in terrestrial analog studies.
    Authors
    Lauren A. Edgar, Amber Gullikson, M. Elise Rumpf, James Skinner
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    A geologic field guide to S P Mountain and its lava flow, San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona

    IntroductionWe created this guide to introduce the user to the San Francisco Volcanic Field as a terrestrial analog site for planetary volcanic processes. For decades, the San Francisco Volcanic Field has been used to teach scientists to recognize the products of common types of volcanic eruptions and associated volcanic features. The volcanic processes and products observed in this volcanic field
    Authors
    Amber L. Gullikson, M. Elise Rumpf, Lauren A. Edgar, Laszlo P. Keszthelyi, James A. Skinner, Lisa Thompson
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Astrogeology Science Center

    A review of the phyllosilicates in Gale Crater as detected by the CheMin Instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory, Curiosity Rover

    Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, landed on Mars in August 2012 to investigate the ~3.5-billion-year-old (Ga) fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary deposits of Aeolis Mons (informally known as Mount Sharp) and the surrounding plains (Aeolis Palus) in Gale crater. After nearly nine years, Curiosity has traversed over 25 km, and the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) X-ray diffraction instr
    Authors
    Valerie M. Tu, Elizabeth B. Rampe, Thomas F. Bristow, Michael T. Thorpe, Joanna V. Clark, Nicholas Castle, Abigail A. Fraeman, Lauren A. Edgar, Amy McAdam, Candice C. Bedford, Cherie N. Achilles, David Blake, Steve J. Chipera, Patricia I. Craig, David J. Des Marais, Gordie W. Downs, Robert T. Downs, Valerie K. Fox, John P. Grotzinger, Robert M. Hazen, Douglas W. Ming, Richard V. Morris, Shaunna M. Morrison, Betina Pavri, Tanya S. Peretyazhko, Philippe C. Sarazin, Brad Sutter, Allan H. Treiman, David T. Vaniman, Albert S. Yen, Jon C. Bridges
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center

    Solar-system-wide significance of Mars polar science

    1. The North Polar Layered Deposits contain thousands of ice layers that record accumulation and climate history for at least several million years, making the most accessible and most complete climate record aside from the Earth’s – and the only one to record the impact of large obliquity shifts. 2. Mars Polar Science is a diverse and integrated system spanning much of the planet, above and below
    Authors
    I. B. Smith, Wendy M. Calvin, D. E. Smith, C. Hansen, S. Diniega, A.S. McEwen, N. Thomas, D. Banfield, Timothy N. Titus, P. Becerra, M. Kahre, F. Forget, M. Hecht, S. Byrne, C. S. Hvidberg, P. O. Hayne, J. W. Head III, M. Mellon, B. Horgan, J. Mustard, J. Holt, A. Howard, D. McCleese, C. Stoker, P. James, N. E. Putzig, J. Whitten, P. Buhler, A. Spiga, M. Crismani, K. M. Aye, A. Portyankina, R. Orosei, A. Bramson, J. Hanley, M. Sori, O. Aharonson, S. Clifford, H. Sizemore, G. Morgan, B. Hartmann, N. Schorghofer, R. Clark, D. Berman, D. Crown, F. Chuang, M. Siegler, E. N. Dobrea, K. Lynch, R. W. Obbard, M. R. Elmaary, D. Fisher, A. Kleinboehl, M. Balme, B. Schmitt, M. Daly, R. C. Ewing, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, L. Fenton, S. D. Guzewich, M. Koutnik, J. Levy, R. Massey, A. Łosiak, V. Eke, D. Goldsby, A. Cross, T. Hager, S. Piqueux, A Kereszturi, K. Seelos, S. Wood, E. Hauber, C. Amos, P. Russell, R. Jaumann, G. Michael, S. Conway, A. Khayat, S. Lewis, G. Luizzi, G. Martinez, K. Mesick, L. Montabone, Johnsson, A. Pankine, C. Phillips-Lander, P. Read, Lauren A. Edgar, K. Zacny, A. McAdam, A. Rutledge, T. Bertrand, J. Widmer, D. Stillman, A. Soto, Z. Yoldi, R. Young, A. Svensson, L. Sam, M. Landis, A. Bhardwaj, M. Chojnacki, E. Kite, P. Thomas, J. Plaut, J. Bapst, S. Milkovich, J. Whiteway, J. Moores, C. Rezza, R. Karimova, I. Mishev, A. Van Brenen, P. Acharya, J. Chesal, A. Pascuzzo, E. Vos, G. Osinski, C. Andres, C. Neisch, S. Hibbard, P. Sinha, J. P. Knightly, S. Cartwright, S. Kounaves, C. Orgel, M. Skidmore, J. MacGregor, R. Staehle, J. Rabassa, C. Gallagher, A. Coronato, A. G. Galofre, J. Wilson, L. McKeown, N. Oliveira, P. Fawdon, U. Gayathri, C. Stuurman, C. Herny, F. Butcher, F. Bernardini, M. Perry, R. Hu, S. Mukherjee, V. Chevrier, M. E. Banks, T. Meng, P. A. Johnson, B. Tober, J. C. Johnson, Ulamsec, J. C. Echaurren, A. Khuller, C. Dinwiddie, S. Adeli, B. L. Henderson, L. R. Lozano, D. Lalich, E. Rivera-Valentín, S. Nerozzi, E. Petersen, F. Foss, R. Lorenz, J. Eigenbrode, M. Day, A. Brown, M. Pajola, O. Karatekin, A. Lucchetti, C. Cesar, C. Newman, T. G. Cave, M. Mischna, M. Patel, P. Streeter, J. C. Stern, C. M. Dundas
    By
    Natural Hazards Mission Area, Astrogeology Science Center
  • News
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    Curiosity Blogs: Sols 3998–4000: Four Thousand Sols of Exploration – NASA Mars Exploration

    Scientists love to share the adventure of exploring Mars with the public, revealing their research and providing close-up views of the Martian terrain...

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    Curiosity Blog | Sols 3946-3947: Onwards to Bishop

    Dr. Lauren Edgar shares the tactical planning work done as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover mission for Earth planning date Monday...

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    Sols 3895-3897: Navigating Through the Crater Cluster

    Earth planning date: Friday, July 21, 2023

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    Curiosity Blog | Sols 3853–3856: Time To Try a New Route

    Dr. Lauren Edgar shares the tactical planning work she and others are doing as part of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover mission: This blog covers...

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    Curiosity Blog: Sols 3744-3745: The One That Got Away…

    The team was eagerly awaiting our downlink this morning to hear how the drill attempt from Sol 3742 went.

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