Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Geologists?

soil scarp

There's a stereo pair for this photo in the raws, although the stereo coverage is much less than the full frame. It gives you a good view of the relief on the soil scarp verses the slab. The scarp in the middle appears to rest in a shallow depression of the slab. The surrounding soil surface is absolutely uniform. (No ripples or surficial evidence of downslope movement.)

Not sure 'bout the downslope "creep" of soil model.

In stereo, uphill seems to be towards the top of the picture. (Although this could be a camera orientation issue. I've been looking for another view to determine what is up hill. No luck yet...) The scarp runs almost perpendicular to this direction. If there was downslope movement, I'd hope to see other evidence, like surface ripples.

another model might be:

There used to be a thin covering of soil over this entire slab.
This soil developed a weak surficial crust.
This crust was eroded by the wind in chunks of weakly cemented soil. (What happened to the chunks? They may have broken up, like a dirt clod.)
The prevailing wind is from the left, redepositing on the windward side (left) of the slab, and flaking off crust at the other side.

Just a thought.....

If the air bags hit this rock, I'd expect signs o' collateral damage.

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