geology of Mars' Gale Crater and Mount Sharp (life, seen, new)

[David Palmer]

I am an amateur scientist with a lifelong interest in Mars, and I recently finished my essay, "An Interpretation of the Geology of Gale Crater and Mount Sharp, with Implications for the History and Habitability of Mars," wherein I present a new hypothesis for the geology of the complex, and (re)introduce a lacustrine model (lake-bed sedimentation) for the strata comprising the Lower Formation of Mt. Sharp, which is something that has recently fallen out of favor (the aeolian or "SWEET" model is in vogue, but I find numerous faults with that model, and believe I have addressed all criticisms of the lacustrine model). I also argue for a near-surface aquifer and geologically-recent groundwater outflow in the complex, and the big test of my model will be when Curiosity reaches the base of Mt. Sharp in 2015. My essay can be seen at:

galecratergeology1: An Interpretation of the Geology of Gale Crater & Mount Sharp, with Implications for the History & Habitability of Mars

[McBain II]

How has this post not received any replies yet?

I'm a geology major and about a third of the way through Part 1. This is a very well done piece, and well worth the read.

[David Palmer]

Reply to Bosco55David:

I have been posting in all the science and astronomy forums I could find, and some of them have had lively responses and others noting at all.....the most extreme case being the Mars One site, where there has been over 1,600 views but no comments!

Let me know what you think about my models when (and if) you finish.....I know it's a lot to wade through, but I am very interested in getting feedback from fellow geologists (even if you're "just" a major and I'm "just" an amateur).

Dave