Also imaged by MRO’s Context Camera, this observation shows one of two odd, rounded mesas with a knobby/pitted texture.

This mesa may be the last remnants of a formerly more extensive geologic unit. Given the particular pitted texture, this formation could be ice-rich.

High resolution images can greatly help to characterize the surface texture and allow us to compare other mid-latitude-type landforms, which may have some connection with ice and sublimation degradation processes.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (20 November 2013)

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_033564_1405

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona