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Ventifacts in rocks of Mars

This image shows pits and holes (ventifacts) in a small rock found by the Mars Pathfinder's Rover. These ventifacts are artifacts of weathering on Mars and were created by wind erosion. The Souffle rock also reveals a very pitted surface.

Analysis of this particular rock shows it to be a conglomerate. Conglomerates are sedimentary rocks, formed under conditions of turbulent water.

This image shows a small rock.
Click on image for full size version (40K GIF)
Image from: JPL/NASA

Return to the Exploration of Mars

Mars Pathfinder Image Archive


Ventifacts in rocks of Mars

This image shows pits and holes (ventifacts) in a small rock found by the Mars Pathfinder's Rover. These ventifacts are artifacts of weathering on Mars and were created by wind erosion. The Souffle rock also reveals a very pitted surface.

The rock shown in this picture is a special kind of sedimentary rock called a conglomerate. Conglomerates tend to form under conditions of well-mixed water.

This image shows a small rock.
Click on image for full size version (40K GIF)
Image from: JPL/NASA

Return to the Exploration of Mars

Mars Pathfinder Image Archive


Pits and Holes in rocks of Mars

This image shows pits and holes in a small rock found by the Mars Pathfinder's Rover. The Souffle rock also reveals a very pitted surface. These pits and holes are the result of sand blasting the rock's surface.

The rock shown in this picture is a special kind of sedimentary rock called a conglomerate. Conglomerates tend to form under conditions of well-mixed water.

This image shows a small rock.
Click on image for full size version (40K GIF)
Image from: JPL/NASA

Return to the Exploration of Mars

Mars Pathfinder Image Archive




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