NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has made a groundbreaking discovery, providing scientists with their first close-up images of low ridges known as “boxwork” formations on the planet’s surface. These crisscrossing patterns, just a few inches tall, are believed to have formed when ancient groundwater percolated through Martian bedrock, depositing minerals that eventually cemented into hardened structures.
The boxwork formations are located in the foothills of Mount Sharp, a three-mile-high mountain in Gale Crater, and are a unique feature of this region. Scientists speculate that the ridges were formed when groundwater moved through cracks and fissures of the rock, leaving behind mineral deposits that hardened into cement-like structures.
These new findings have significant implications for understanding Mars’ geological history. The boxwork patterns provide evidence that water once played a crucial role in shaping the Martian surface, even after lakes and rivers dried up. The discovery also sheds light on Mars’ changing climate, suggesting that groundwater remained active beneath the surface during periods of transition.
The rover’s mission has already uncovered other unexpected surprises, including tiny fractures filled with calcium sulfate veins and an unusual presence of these minerals. To further understand this region, Curiosity is currently drilling into a rock called “Altadena” to analyze its composition and search for signs of organic molecules that could indicate past microbial life on Mars.
This discovery marks a significant leap forward in understanding the Martian surface, providing new clues about the planet’s geological history and the role of water in shaping its landscape.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/06/nasas-curiosity-rover-uncovers-stunning-martian-boxwork