Dark Light
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
Related Posts
Deuteronilus Mensae

The Hanging Crater

Queen Amytis had her Hanging Gardens in Babylon, and Mars has its hanging crater! This impact crater appears…

The Saga of Airy-0

Up to now, we’ve never imaged Airy-0, a crater within Airy Crater that formerly was used to define zero longitude on Mars.

Soffen Crater Floor

Dr. Gerald A. Soffen (February 7, 1926 — November 22, 2000) was a project scientist for the NASA’s Viking program of Mars landers.
Terra Sabaea

Possible Impact Melt in Terra Sabaea

Nighttime and daytime infrared images from THEMIS suggest a consolidated deposit in the floor of this ancient crater in Terra Sabaea, potentially with some bedrock exposure.