Utah's geologic and geomorphic terrestrial analogs to Mars: a training ground for future robotic and human missions to Mars

Utah offers spectacular geologic features and valuable analogue environments and processes for Mars studies. Relatively intact, horizontal strata of the Colorado Plateau are analogous to Mars, where the effects of strong ground motion from earthquakes or impacts are preserved. Within Utah, easily accessible, sedimentary analogue environments lie in close proximity. The lack of vegetative cover is an advantage for remote imaging at various scales by satellite or robotic instruments. The dry, desert climate and modern wind processes of Utah are comparable to Mars and its current surface.