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The sedimentary history of Mars is important to understanding climate change and the evolution of Mars.

Sedimentary rocks consist of fine particles carried by the atmosphere and/or water and deposited in generally flat-lying layers, which become indurated (turn into rock) over time.

This image covers some steep slopes with good exposures of the bedrock layers, revealing diverse color and textures. A detailed study of many such exposures along with compositional data can be used to reconstruct the sequence of events and interpret the geologic history.


Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://www.uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_072620_1530
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