This image shows layered bedrock exposed in the upper reaches of a topographic ridge located in Coprates Chasma. The layers exposed in the ridge visible in the upper part of the full image are darker toned, and possibly of volcanic origin.

The layers exposed in the lower part of the image are lighter toned and may be composed of hydrated sulfate minerals. An important question is whether or not the layers exposed here extend beneath the layers exposed in the upper part of the image, and are therefore older. Alternatively, the layers in the lower part of the image may rest on top of the ridge, and therefore be younger than the layered rocks which make up the ridge.
Written by: John Grotzinger

All of the images produced by HiRISE and accessible on this site are within the public domain: there are no restrictions on their usage by anyone in the public, including news or science organizations. We do ask for a credit line where possible: Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit: http://www.nasa.gov. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems is the prime contractor for the project and built the spacecraft. The HiRISE camera was built by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation and is operated by the University of Arizona. The image data were processed using the U.S. Geological Survey’s ISIS3 software.