Scientists with NASA’s Perseverance rover are exploring a new region called “Krokodillen” on the lower slope of Jezero Crater’s rim, which may hold some of the oldest rocks on Mars. The area has been identified as an important boundary between the oldest rocks of the crater’s rim and those of the plains beyond.
The Krokodillen plateau is a 73-acre region with rocky outcrops located downslope to Witch Hazel Hill. Early investigations revealed clays in this ancient bedrock, which provide clues about Mars’ environment and habitability in the past. The presence of these clays suggests that liquid water was present on Mars at some point.
Researchers are particularly interested in finding potential biosignatures, or signs of life, in rocks formed before Jezero Crater was created. The Krokodillen rocks date back to Mars’ earliest geologic period, known as the Noachian era. These rocks may hold secrets about ancient microbial life and climate records.
The Perseverance rover is currently analyzing a rocky outcrop called “Copper Cove” that contains Noachian rocks. To maximize its scientific discoveries, the rover has adopted a new sampling strategy, allowing some cored samples to remain unsealed in case of a more compelling geologic feature. This approach will give scientists flexibility as they continue collecting diverse and fascinating rock samples.
The team’s decision to leave some samples unsealed was assessed by engineers, who found that the environment inside the rover meets strict cleanliness standards. The likelihood of extraneous material entering the tube during future activities is considered low.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/mars-2020-perseverance/perseverance-rover/nasas-perseverance-mars-rover-to-take-bite-out-of-krokodillen