Curiosity Explores Boxwork Borderlands

Curiosity is in the final stage of exploring the spiderweb-like boxwork unit, focusing on its eastern and southern borders. The team assembled two multi-sol plans this week. In the previous plan, the rover parked at a site on the eastern extent where bedrock allowed brushing and in-place measurements with APXS and MAHLI on the target "Infiernillo"; ChemCam also performed a LIBS chemical measurement of that target and of a nodular-rich bedrock called "Humahuaca." MAHLI imaged a pitted vertical face dubbed "Timboy Chaco" (part of which appears in the accompanying MAHLI color image).

Mastcam color mosaics and ChemCam RMI mosaics were collected to characterize nearby terrain, including a butte to the south and the geologic contact between the boxwork terrain and an adjacent layered, light-toned unit. A midweek drive moved the rover closer to the eastern edge and set it up for two or more drives to the southern edge.

curiosity, boxwork, apxs, mahli, chemcam, libs, infiernillo, humahuaca, mastcam, geologic contact