As the name suggests, pedestal craters usually have ejecta (material thrown out from impact) that is above the surrounding terrain. In some cases, the material can be more erosion-resistant. Some suggest that these units were once rich in volatiles (e.g., water ice).

This specific pedestal in Malea Planum is one of the largest on Mars, and fine layering is visible along its margins .

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (15 August 2012)

This is a stereo pair with ESP_030580_1085 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_022787_1085

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona