This group of steeply inclined light-toned layers is bounded above and below by unconformities (sudden or irregular changes from one deposit to another) that indicate a “break” where erosion of pre-existing layers was taking place at a higher rate than deposition of new materials.

The layered deposits in Melas Basin may have been deposited during the growth of a delta complex. This depositional sequence likely represents a period where materials were being deposited on the floor of a lake or running river.

Written by: Jennifer Griffes  (10 April 2017)

This is a stereo pair with PSP_007878_1700 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_008735_1700

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona