Image: Curiosity rover surveys boxwork region of Mars
Phys.org
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has captured a stunning panoramic image of unique geological formations known as boxwork structures during its mission on Sol 4,671. These low ridges, interspersed with hollows, offer a glimpse into Mars' ancient history. The formations were shaped by the slow leakage of water through rock cracks billions of years ago, which carried minerals that later hardened. Over time, wind erosion stripped away the softer rock, leaving behind these distinct ridges.
The process that created these formations involved several stages: water seeping through fractures in the Martian rock, depositing minerals that eventually crystallized. As eras passed and wind sculpted the land, the weaker rock around the mineral-hardened areas was worn away, exposing the ridges. This natural geological history highlights the dynamic environmental changes Mars has undergone, providing scientists with valuable clues about its past.
This discovery is significant for astrobiology as it supports the theory that water once played a role in shaping the Martian landscape. Understanding these ancient environments could shed light on whether Mars ever supported life. The images captured by Curiosity not
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/24/2026