Curiosity Rover Uncovers Martian 'Spiderwebs,' Hints at Ancient Groundwater

• NASA's Curiosity rover is studying strange spiderweb-like ridges on Mars, providing new clues about ancient groundwater and potential past life.
• The rover explored 'boxwork' formations on Mount Sharp for six months, which are low ridges resembling giant spiderweb patterns from orbit.
• Scientists believe groundwater once moved through fractures, hardening certain rock sections underground before wind eroded softer material.
• The discovery of boxwork so high on Mount Sharp suggests a higher groundwater table existed, implying water lasted longer than expected and improving chances for microbial survival.
• Curiosity's rock samples revealed clay within ridge material and carbonate minerals in hollow samples, supporting groundwater formation theories, and a recent sample underwent wet chemistry to detect organic carbon.