Understanding the history of water on Mars using observations from the surface, orbit, and Earth analogs

  • HiRISE color stretched image of the Vera Rubin ridge in Gale crater, Mars

    Widespread Diagenesis at Unconformities in Gale Crater as Inferred From the Curiosity Rover and From Orbit

    We use orbital color images and spectroscopy to characterize diagenesis-driven alteration at unconformities in Gale crater.

  • Pair of alluvial fans in a crater on Mars

    Understanding the origins of alteration minerals in fan deposits on Mars

    In this NASA MDAP funded project, we study how the composition of fan systems within impact craters relates to their watersheds and depositional basins on Mars using orbital data from CRISM and HiRISE.

  • Alluvial fan in Fjallabak Nature Preserve, Iceland

    Icelandic alluvial fan composition as an analog for a cold and wet ancient Mars

    In July 2024, we studied how alluvial fans form and alter in the cold environment of Iceland as analog for similar features on Mars.

  • Desiccation cracks on the outcrop Old Soaker suggest increased surface exposure.

    Exploring a possible ancient lakeshore with the MSL Curiosity rover

    The Sutton Island member of the Murray Formation in Gale crater may have been deposited in a lakeshore or low stand, as evidence by the mudcracks (pictured) and Mastcam multispectral data that show a lack of hematite and increased clay content in this unique region (Haber et al., 2022).

  • James Haber in the field with a rock hammer

    Analogs in Utah may help us better understand diagenesis on Mars

    We collected samples from the Carmel Formation in Utah to interpret their diagenetic history in the summer of 2021 and 2022 with funding from the GSA and IndianaView.