Comparison of Remotely‐Sensed Orbital and Rover‐Based In Situ Surface Orientation Analyses in Jezero Crater, Mars

Abstract

Satellite data have been used to estimate the three‐dimensional orientation of features on Mars inferred to be bedding planes to support interpretations of deposit characteristics and depositional environments. Opportunities to ground‐truth these estimates and to understand the geologic information recorded by surfaces measured from orbit are limited to landing sites. We developed a generalized workflow for calculating surface orientations from measured apparent dip angles and look directions that may be applied to photographs. We then performed a quantitative comparison of five orbiter‐derived plane fits of scarps, light‐toned bands, and other layer‐like features exposed in outcrops in Jezero crater's western fan with both orientations and up‐close geologic interpretations of the same features using images taken by the Perseverance rover. Orbiter‐derived orientation estimates almost always fall within orientation constraints set by apparent dip angles and dip directions seen in two or more rover images. Additionally, the rover‐ and orbiter‐based orientation solutions often overlap within mutual uncertainties. However, only one of five features traced from orbit was confirmed in rover images to constitute an actual single bed, indicating that our ability to distinguish hierarchical stratigraphic elements, lithologies, and stratal structures from orbit is limited. Thus, in situ investigation at sub‐decimeter‐scale with landed spacecraft that can view strata in cross‐section will often be required to definitively distinguish stratigraphic elements that are characteristic of depositional environment. Nevertheless, certain outcrop characteristics such as distinct tonality and moderate‐to‐steep inclination are discernible from orbit and allow for the characterization of the orientation of beds or self‐similar packages of strata.