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Layers exposed at Polar Canyon
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Layers exposed at Polar Canyon
December 13, 2006 - Layers Exposed at Polar Canyon. This false-color subframe of an image from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows the north polar layered deposits at top and darker materials at bottom, exposed in a scarp at the head of Chasma Boreale, a large canyon eroded into the layered deposits.
The polar layered deposits appear red because of dust mixed within them, but are ice-rich as indicated by previous observations. Water ice in the layered deposits is probably responsible for the pattern of fractures seen near the top of the scarp. The darker material below the layered deposits may have been deposited as sand dunes, as indicated by the crossbedding (truncation of curved lines) seen near the middle of the scarp. It appears that brighter, ice-rich layers were deposited between the dark dunes in places. Exposures such as these are useful in understanding recent climate variations that are likely recorded in the polar layered deposits
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Media ID 13063521
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Abyss Canyon Deposit Dunes Erosion Escarpment False Color Fracture Gully Land Feature Landform Layered Pattern Planetary Science Polar Ravine Scarp Slope Surface Terrain Texture Topography View From Space
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This print titled "Layers Exposed at Polar Canyon" takes us on a mesmerizing journey to the mysterious landscapes of Mars. Captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, this false-color subframe reveals an extraordinary sight. At first glance, we are drawn to the striking contrast between the vibrant red hues of the north polar layered deposits and the darker materials below. The layers exposed in a scarp at Chasma Boreale's head, a vast eroded canyon, offer valuable insights into Mars' geological history. The reddish appearance of these polar layered deposits is attributed to dust particles mingled within them. However, previous observations have confirmed that these layers are rich in water ice—a remarkable discovery indicating potential for past or even present liquid water on Mars. Notably, fractures near the top of the scarp suggest that water ice played a significant role in shaping this landscape. Additionally, intriguing crossbedding patterns seen in the middle of the scarp indicate possible deposition as sand dunes over time. Interestingly enough, it seems that brighter and ice-rich layers were deposited amidst these dark dunes. Photographic exposures like this provide scientists with invaluable information about recent climate variations recorded within these polar layered deposits. As we delve deeper into understanding Mars' complex geology and climatic changes through images like this one from Stocktrek Images—layers upon layers of knowledge unfold before our eyes.
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