Field Geologic Mapping of Sample Sites from the Ground and the Air with Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter

Abstract

International audienceOne of the primary mission goals for Perseverance is to determine the geologic context of sample sites [1]. Rover-based (in situ) or field geologiccontext mapping (GXM) based on Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter observations provides a nearly continuous record of geologic context and exposed surface structure over a 120 m-wide corridor along the traverse of Perseverance and the flight path of Ingenuity. Field geologic mapping along the traverse and flight path and outcrop-scale mapping at sample sites provides a spatial dimension to ground truth geologic, stratigraphic, and modern environmental context for samples at scales relevant to sample interpretation. Here we provide an abbreviated overview of field mapping as it relates to documenting the architecture of the Jezero fan and geologic context of several examples of sample locations