What terrestrial geological process are the sulfate-rich veins cutting through Martian rock analogous to?
Answer
Mineral deposits left when water flows through cracks in rock formations.
When the rover used its abrasion tool to expose fresh surfaces, it often revealed distinct veins rich in sulfates that traversed the existing rock material. These geological features are directly comparable to analogous formations found on Earth. On our planet, such veins typically result from mineral-laden water migrating through existing fissures or cracks in the crustal rock, subsequently depositing those minerals as the water evaporates or reacts chemically within the fissure walls. This finding provided evidence of internal fluid movement long after the initial surface water events.
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