This observation represents a particularly good exposure of rhythmic stratigraphy within a crater in southern Arabia Terra, which was previously imaged by the Mars Orbiter Camera.

Measurements of the bedding from stereo topography will help test for the presence of cyclicity, as well as evaluate regional stratigraphic correlations. One of the justifications for this target was to obtain finer scale stereo topography, and HiRISE has created an anaglyph image of this observation. This will hopefully resolve the exposed bedding at this location. Additionally, stereo topography will help to derive true stratigraphic thicknesses and bedding orientations.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (27 April 2011)

This is a stereo pair with ESP_020534_1825 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_021523_1825

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona