[meteorite-list] What are those blueberries on Mars?

From: Mark Langenfeld <mlangen_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:31:22 2004
Message-ID: <200402132225.i1DMPM5q059233_at_mail5.mx.voyager.net>

Thanks Bjorn. I missed Dr. Squyres comments. Certain terrestrial
limestones are oolitic, but it sounds as though JPL is looking for
evidence of so-called "dropstones."

I wonder where the spheroids evident in the soil ABOVE the outcrop came
from. Perhaps younger sedimentary layers have already weathered away.

Very interesting stuff.

Mark

> Mark,
> It certainly is the science team at JPL's idea that
> the 'round guys' are embedded in the outcrop.
> For instance Dr. Squyres were talking about wheter they could
> see the layers curving above or below the balls, or wheter it is
> possible to see if the balls have made a small dent in the layering
> when they, possibly, fell down from above.
> Also the closeup pictures suggest the balls are firmly embedded
> in there.
> The big question is how did they all get so perfectly round, and
> what kind of geologic process would produce such a weird 'bedrock'.
>
> Regards,
> Bjørn Sørheim
>
>
> At 15:40 13.02.04 -0500, you wrote:
> >> Hello List,
> >> I guess you all have seen those pictures coming from Mars at the
> >> the Meridiani Planum/Opportunity site.
> >>
> >> Embedded in, and eroding out of the bedrock in the sidewall of the
> >> 20 m crater where Opportunity is located, are those <5mm perfect
> >> spherical stones.
> >
> >> Regards,
> >> Bjørn Sørheim
> >>
> >
> >Curious stuff, and this was my initial reaction, too. But, on closer
> >examination, I remain unconvinced these spherules are actually
> >weathering out of the exposed bedrock. It looks to me as though they're
> >everywhere, including on and in the "soil" above the outcrop. Assuming
> >these things gradually migrate downslope, I don't suppose it is
> >impossible for some of them to lodge in the cracks and bedding planes of
> >the exposed rock.
> >
> >Stay tuned ...
> >
> >Mark
>
>
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Received on Fri 13 Feb 2004 05:25:17 PM PST