This HiRISE image shows faulted layered deposits in a part of Valles Marineris called Candor Chasma.

Often faults cut through the layered material in this area, indicating that the rocks underwent stress causing them to crack and shift in position after they were deposited.

This area also has a high abundance of hematite. Hematite is a mineral that can precipitate out of water, so its presence on Mars is of special interest for understanding the distant past.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (14 December 2011)

This is a stereo pair with ESP_025112_1750 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_019732_1750

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona