A Context Camera (CTX) image of this area shows faulted layered deposits near the contact between the layered deposits and wall rock.

At HiRISE resolution, we may be able to discern any structural relationships , which may yield insight into relative age of these layered deposits and faulting to basin formation. As part of a stereo pair (linked below), we can measure bedding and fault orientations.

This observation is in an area of high hematite abundance. On Earth, hematite is a mineral formed in an aqueous environment. Its presence on Mars can help us understand what the past environment was like that formed it.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (6 February 2013)

This is a stereo pair with ESP_019732_1750 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_025112_1750

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona