The search for water on Mars: Figure 51 Possible mud (dessiccation) cracks at a location ‘Old Soaker’ at Gale crater. Mud cracks form when fine grained mud is repeatedly dried out and becomes wet again. This is evidence for fluctuating levels of the lake. Image credit: NASA/JPL.

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The search for water on Mars

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This figure is a photograph taken by the Curiosity rover looking down on the top of a rock outcrop on the martian surface. The rock outcrop is surrounded by fine grained, dark grey soil. The surface of the rock appears to be cracked.

Figure 51 Possible mud (dessiccation) cracks at a location ‘Old Soaker’ at Gale crater. Mud cracks form when fine grained mud is repeatedly dried out and becomes wet again. This is evidence for fluctuating levels of the lake. Image credit: NASA/JPL.

4.9 Rolling on the ground again: MSL

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