This image shows a ground surface composed of many thin light– and dark–toned layers.

These layers are mostly parallel with adjacent layers, and sets of layers often form intricate curved shapes that are reminiscent of wood grain.

What we see here is actually a series of rock layers that have been sequentially laid down on the floor of a large impact crater. These layers create interesting geometric patterns because they initially accumulated as large ripples, or sand dunes.

Subsequently, the ground surface was eroded away by the wind, revealing these underground layers of bedrock.

Written by: Chris Okubo

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.