The swirling rocks of Mars are mesmerizing

[Judi Lynn]

In this image, exquisite layering is revealed emerging from the sand in southern Holden Crater. Sequences like these offer a window into Mars' complicated geologic history. Image source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

By Mike Wehner @MikeWehner

June 12th, 2020 at 12:16 AM

Most of the images we see of Mars depict it as a dusty, dry, and often featureless. It’s true that there are large stretches of the planet that are covered in orange dust and sand with very little in the way of landmarks, but to assume that’s all Mars has to offer would be doing it a great disservice. The planet is actually an incredibly complex, feature-rich world with plenty to see.

In a new blog post, NASA has chosen to highlight one particular area of Mars that has an abundance of personality. It’s a piece of Martian real estate located in the Holden Crater where the wind has swept away much of the surface dust and revealed the incredibly intricate layers of rock beneath.

“Much of Mars is covered by sand and dust but in some places stacks of sedimentary layers are visible,” NASA explains. “In this image, exquisite layering is revealed emerging from the sand in southern Holden Crater. Sequences like these offer a window into Mars’ complicated geologic history.”

Over billions of years, fine layers of material covered the Martian surface and then hardened. Researchers know that Mars once had a lot more water than it does today, with vast rivers and large lakes. As rivers flowed, they gradually carried surface material along with them. It slowly built up and, thanks to the combination of pressure and time, it solidified.

More:
https://bgr.com/2020/06/12/mars-rocks-sedimentary-layers/