Eroded Layers in Shalbatana Valles

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

Layers, probably sedimentary in origin, have undergone extensive erosion in this image from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) of Shalbatana Valles, a prominent channel that cuts through Xanthe Terra.

This erosion has produced several small mesas and exposed light-toned material that may differ in composition from the surrounding material.

Source / Image Courtesy

This erosion has produced several small mesas and exposed light-toned material that may differ in composition from the surrounding material.

 

Valles Marineris, where we find some very high thermal inertia surface and possible bedrock exposure.