Areology – The Study of Mars

 

Directions: You have just received a Martian surface sample. It is your job to observe and determine all the scientific information you can from this sample. You will be taking a core sample from this Martian surface sample and answering the following questions. You will then receive a second core sample to compare to the first. List anything that is similar or different between the two samples.

  1. Describe the color of your Mars sample:

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  2. Describe the surface features of your Mars sample:

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  3. Draw a picture of any surface features you see on your Mars sample:

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  4. What is your hypothesis (science guess) about the cause of any texture you see on your Mars sample?

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  5. How many layers does your Martian core sample contain?

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  6. Draw a picture showing the layers of your Martian core sample.

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  7. Which layers were made first and why?

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  8. Draw a picture of the second core sample showing any layers and surface features.

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  9. Compare the two core samples and list any similarities or differences from your Martian core sample.

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  10. Would a core sample from Mars be important to the study of Mars? Why?

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  11. Where would be the best place to study a Martian core sample…on Earth or on Mars? Why?

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  12. What would account for the samples being different, if both come from Mars?

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