Shales on Mars are sedimentary rocks that have formed through the gradual accumulation and compaction of sediments over extended periods of time. Sedimentary rocks are formed when layers of sand, mud, and other materials are deposited on top of each other and then compacted and cemented together. Shales are typically formed from clay-sized particles, which are very small and flat. When these particles are deposited, they settle to the bottom and form a layer of mud. Over time, more and more layers of mud are deposited, and the weight of the overlying layers compacts the mud into shale. The Curiosity's rover's observations in Gale Crater have revealed thin layers of sedimentary rock bearing resemblance to shales found on Earth. Image captured on on Sol 3955 (2023-09-21). Rover's REMS instrument visualised via renders. Image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS Source RAW-image from NASA: https://mars.nasa.gov/raw_images/1263170?site=msl Animation, image processing, visuals and renders made by iGadgetPro Like and Subscribe! #curiosity #Shales #Mars #Compaction #Sedimentary #Rocks