In this observation, we see a set of straight ridges in ancient bedrock near Nirgal Valles. The patterns indicate fractures from tectonic stresses, but how have they been hardened to now stand in positive relief after billions of years of erosion?

It’s possible that groundwater flowed through the fractures, depositing various durable minerals, some of which we see in diverse colors.

ID: ESP_053752_1540
date: 13 January 2018
altitude: 256 km

https://uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_053752_1540
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
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