In a new paper by Katherine Weitz, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, the
There is a darker, more durable, flat layer of rock -weathering horizon - it stands out against the background of ordinary rock. Dark rock is found in much of Mount Sharp. It is associated with a certain period of time.
Photo of dark rock
According to the authors of the new work, this is one, eitherseveral layers of rocks. A similar phenomenon occurs on our planet, for example, volcanic ash behaves similarly because it can look different from the surrounding sediments and can be traced in different landscapes.
Geologists use this data to trackevents that led to various deposits. The authors of the new work note that some event occurred, as a result of which another type of rock was formed. Perhaps the environment changed briefly, became drier, or there was a volcanic eruption, as a result of which the ash settled over a large area.
The authors studied in detail the nature of the deposits, asthey formed and how long ago, and concluded that it was volcanic ash. This information is going to be confirmed using data from the Curiosity rover.
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