Eva Report
02/17/2013
Dennis Oltheten
Eva Number:
6
Eva Date:
Time Slot:
unknown
Purpose:
On the satellite images I spotted large joint fractures on the far southern part of the western ridge. I wanted to check if I could measure these joints and possible conjugate fractures for some theories concerning the stress regime and deformation history of the area. We also spotted some strange features that looked like black channels and an additional mesa on the ridge and a round feature that loked like a sinkhole or small crater, incl shadow. Paula went with us for support and to test a light and temperature data logger in her suit helmet.
Narrative:
Paula Ase and Dennis drove up north to 517971 4251506 since this is one of the few access points to the upper ridge to the west of MDRS. From this point on we drove all the way south, making some very nice pictures of MDRS from top view and the beautiful valley surrounding it. It was cloudy and a chilly breeze looked like thick clothes were necessary. The ride was smooth and the clouds dissolved during this ride so we were blazing hot when we arrived. The joints were very hard to measure, some measurements were taken but way less than we hoped for. Going further south we found more joint fractures but all we so weathered and no line was straight or consistent enough to get a proper measurement. Going further south to the black leaf like channels we missed the road and drove the two wrong roads until we finaly found the right one, mostly covered by dirt and almost unrecognizable. This road took us east to 518375 4247334 were we stopped to walk to the supposedly strange mesa. This was not a mesa but a strange shift in sediments or the remains of younger depositions. Futher east the feature that looked like a hole in the ground turned out to be a hill. Sattelite images can be so deceptive sometimes, but we got to enjoy the view of the valley. The ride home was smooth but a little dusty. We were back for a small lunch and in time to meet up with the other part of the crew that was going on EVA part 2.
Eva Depart Time:
10:13
Check In Time One:
10:23
Check In One E:
517971
Check In One N:
4251506
Check In Note One:
access point to the upper ridge
Check In Time Two:
10:52
Check In East Two:
517708
Check In Note Two:
First look at joint fractures
Check In Time Three:
11:22
Check In East Three:
517665
Check In North Three:
4249272
Check In Note Three:
More joints but all messed up
Check In Time Four:
12:15
Check In East Four:
517655
Check In North Four:
4247741
Check In Note Four:
Strange uplifted part of the ridge
Eva Return Time:
13:04