Mineralogy, morphology, and emplacement history of the Maaz formation on the Jezero crater floor from orbital and rover observations

Abstract The first samples collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars 2020 mission were from Maaz formation, a lava plain that covers most of floor Jezero crater. Laboratory analysis these back Earth would provide important constraints petrologic history, aqueous processes, and timing key events in However, interpreting requires detailed understanding emplacement modification history formation. Here we synthesize orbital remote sensing data to link outcrop‐scale interpretations broader crater, including Mastcam‐Z mosaics multispectral images, SuperCam chemistry reflectance point spectra, Radar Imager for Mars' subsurface eXperiment ground penetrating radar, hyperspectral high‐resolution images. We show formation is composed series distinct members corresponding basaltic basaltic‐andesite flows. exhibit variable spectral signatures dominated high‐Ca pyroxene, Fe‐bearing feldspar, hematite, which can be tied directly igneous grains altered matrix abrasion patches. Spectral variations correlate with morphological variations, recessive layers produce regolith lag lower Maaz, weathered polygonally fractured paleosurfaces crater‐retaining massive blocky hummocks upper Maaz. likely separated one or more extended periods time, subjected erosion, burial, exhumation, weathering, tectonic modification. two unique are representative this diversity, together will an geochronological framework