Curiosity rover at Shaler rock outcrop

Front Hazcam image of Shaler on sol 313. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Front Hazcam image of Shaler on sol 313. Mount Sharp is in the background. Click for larger version. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

Curiosity is now back at the intriguing Shaler rock outcrop, after having initially passed it during its first trip into Yellowknife Bay in Gale crater. Shaler consists largely of “stepped” flat rock slabs which stand out from the surrounding rocks and soil. It’s origin isn’t known yet, but may be connected to the fact that this area was once very wet, with flowing streams and possibly a lake, according to findings so far by the rover. Curiosity’s findings here should be interesting, and then the journey begins to the layered foothills, buttes and mesas of Mount Sharp!

Finely layered rock in Shaler on sol 311. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Mastcam image of finely layered rock at Shaler on sol 311. Click for larger version.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
"Stepped" rock slabs in Shaker on sol 313. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Mastcam image of “stepped” rock slabs at Shaler on sol 313. Click for larger version.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Mastcam image of thin, flat plates of rock at Shaler on sol 315. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Mastcam image of thin, flat plates of rock at Shaler on sol 315. Click for larger version.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Darker rocks and boulders at Shaler on sol 309. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Mastcam image of darker rocks and boulders at Shaler on sol 309. Click for larger version.
Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

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