This photo shows a portion of the north polar layered deposits. The photo was taken in northern spring so the deposits are still covered by carbon dioxide frost or ice.

However, the different layers of the deposit can still be seen from the variations in relief; in fact, the frost helps to accentuate the relief. If the layers in this deposit can be matched with layers in other areas, then the geometry of layering in the current northern polar cap can be better constrained.

These layered deposits are thought to be ice and dust deposits that record climate changes over thousands of years.Written by: Alfred   (6 May 2008)

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_007712_2670

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona