Alternating wet and dry depositional environments recorded in the stratigraphy of Mount Sharp at Gale crater, Mars

Abstract The Curiosity rover is exploring Hesperian-aged stratigraphy in Gale crater, Mars, where a transition from clay-bearing units to layered sulfate-bearing unit has been interpreted represent major environmental of unknown character. We present the first description key facies unit, recently observed distance by rover, and propose model for changes depositional environments. Our results indicate lacustrine mudstones into thick aeolian deposits, topped deflation surface, above which strata show architectures likely diagnostic subaqueous environment. This offers reference example sequence strata, have identified orbit other locations globally. It differs idea monotonic Hesperian climate change long-term aridity on Mars instead implies period characterized multiple transitions between sustained drier wetter climates.