Degradation at the <i>InSight</i> Landing Site, <i>Homestead Hollow</i> , Mars: Constraints From Rock Heights and Shapes

Rock shapes and heights around the InSight lander are examined to refine degradation history of 27 m-diameter Homestead hollow. Results document decreasing average exposed rock height increasing percentage rocks where comprises short axis from outside within hollow support prior models ejecta deflation accompanied by infilling. We estimate 0.3 m at current rim that is realistic compared relief, original thickness, predicted aeolian contributions also find embayed basalt appear platy, bladed, elongate in a triangular form factor plot, more discoidal bladed an axes ratio plot. By contrast, expected based on terrestrial studies mostly compact, compact elongated, plots, equant with lesser, but significant disc- blade-shaped plots. addition 10 cm near rim, account for continued partial embedding ejecta, yields best match between observed shapes. Exposure small supports rates 10−4 m/Myr during most history. indicate downwind deposition can degraded crater. Our approach new tool characterizing crater regolith-covered lava plains Mars.