The Mars 2020 rover will land in Jezero crater, characterize the local
geology, and collect samples to be sent back to Earth. Ionizing
radiation at the martian surface degrades the complex organic molecules
sought by this mission, making it critical to mission success that
samples be selected from recently eroded strata minimally exposed to
surface radiation. Erosion on modern Mars is driven by wind. We used
numerical modeling to identify sites near the rover landing area where
recent aeolian erosion has likely occurred. Large eddy simulation of
turbulent airflow over topography was coupled with interpretations of
the surface geology to characterize wind-driven erosion across the
Jezero crater delta deposit. We discuss potential sediment sources that
could drive abrasion and calculate the largest grains mobilized by
typical winds over the study area. Our results identify several
locations likely eroded by recent winds that provide optimal sites for
sample collection.