Crater Rim Layers, Rubble, and Gullies

This is a close view of the rim and upper wall of an impact crater on the Martian surface . The layers in enhanced color are exposed subsurface strata that are relatively resistant to erosion. Boulder-like rubble beyond the crater rim is scattered down the wall of the crater (down-slope is toward the lower left of the image).

Another feature of interest to Mars scientists is a large gully roughly 100 meters across. These gullies may have formed when water from melted ice on the crater walls, or from groundwater within the walls, assisted in transporting eroding material downslope.

Written by: Christy Caudill  (7 August 2017)

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_015984_1335

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona