Exploratour - Comparing the Surfaces of Earth and Mars
Leave the Tour and read more about The Mars Pathfinder Mission.
Mars Pathfinder's Rover studied many different rocks on Mars near the landing site. These studies and measurements made during past missions to Mars have helped scientists learn more about the surface of Mars. We now know that many rocks on Mars are similar to those on Earth.
Sedimentary rocks occur on both planets. Conglomerates are a type of sedimentary rock that include many smaller rocks. Conglomerates found at the Mars Pathfinder landing site include "Shark", Souffle", and "Half Dome". Basalt, formed on Earth in volcanic regions, is common on Earth and Mars. "Barnacle Bill", the first rock examined by the Rover, was a dark rock and probably a basalt. Granite, although common on Earth, is less common on Mercury, Venus, and Mars. To see the rocks studied during the Mars Pathfinder mission, visit the Mars Pathfinder Image Archive link below.