One of the scientific goals for taking this observation is to create a stereo pair with another HiRISE image. From stereo pairs, which are pictures of the same area but at different angles, HiRISE creates 3D or anaglyph pictures.

Known since at least 2003, this is a wonderful case of aeolian sandstone that (a) preserves its original sand dune bedform shapes and (b) lies unconformably over a previously-eroded surface of layered sedimentary rock.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (28 March 2012)

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_025389_1690

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona