This HiRISE image covers a portion of the layered deposits in Gale crater, but is located to the southeast of the main stack of the deposits and is perhaps revealing a lower part of the section.

The deposits are remarkably uniform at submeter scales and are not comprised of loose sediment, as evidenced by numerous fractures and scarps that run through and along some layers.

Though there are a few impact craters preserved, wind erosion has stripped and etched the surface of the layers, producing few large blocks and little in the way of talus or other debris.

The deposit's uniform character—and the manner of erosion—suggests it is comprised of fine-grained sediments, perhaps an accumulation of dust or volcanic ash blown in by the wind.



Written by: John Grant  (10 October 2007)