HiRISE | ESP_062843_1715_ESP_062632

NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona

Layered Sediments in the Medusae Fossae Formation
ESP_062843_1715_ESP_062632_1715

These very regular (stair-step) layers may reflect periodic climate change on Mars. We acquire stereo images and produce digital terrain models to better interpret the geologic processes that formed the layers. For example, if formed in lakes the layers should be nearly horizontal, but if the materials rained down from volcanic eruptions then the layers would mantle pre-existing topography.

Written by: Alfred McEwen

IMAGE PRODUCTS
Map projected reduced-resolution (PNG)

Full resolution JPEG2000

USAGE POLICY
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:
NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

STEREO PAIR
Left observation
ESP_062843_1715

Right observation
ESP_062632_1715

Contrast stretch
NONLINEAR

Convergence angle
15.9 degrees

Image lines
43001

Line samples
19718

RESOURCES
About anaglyph products (PDF)

POSTSCRIPT
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. The HiRISE camera was built by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation and is operated by the University of Arizona.