Image 2-12
Martian Salt Deposits
In this image from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, deposits of chlorides can be seen. Chlorides are similar to table salt. The chloride in this image resides in the bright, polygon-shapes areas. On Earth, chloride deposits were formed in the presence of water, and these formations on Mars give credibility to the theory that the planet once contained liquid water. Liquid water on Mars would have created conditions that are suitable for the existence of life.
NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona
More About This Image
This image from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows part of a candidate landing site that appears to be a shallow depression with a deposit perhaps consisting of chlorides, which are like table salt.
The relatively bright material broken up into polygons or other patterns is possibly chloride. Such deposits occur in playas on Earth, and imply the past presence of water and a habitable (but not necessarily inhabited) environment. The HiRISE images will help to interpret the geology and to determine if this spot is a sufficiently safe landing site -- not too many boulders or steep slopes.
If it is determined to be safe enough, this site will be considered further as a landing site for the 2011 Mars Science Laboratory or for a European or NASA rover to be launched in 2018 according to current plans.
The original image can be downloaded here.
