Layers of Water-Deposited Sediment (3-D)

May 24, 2012

This image covers part of the floor of a large ancient impact crater, near the western rim.

The subimage shows layered deposits, many with distinct colors (the colors are enhanced or exaggerated). These layers have a morphology similar to that seen elsewhere on Mars in obvious alluvial fans where channels emerge into craters.

In this case the channels are not obvious, but we suspect that it is the same kind of deposit and the ancient channel is not well preserved due to subsequent modification.

Image source: https://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_025665_1825