Martian Geology

Anyone able to guess what features in this picture could be incredibly useful in discerning the history of Mars?

The rocks? :-P

Not being a geologist, would this be something to do with the announcement the other day that they may have found evidence of plate tectonics on mars?

I don't see anything in here that is directly indicative of tectonics save perhaps the tilting of the strata (hard to say, I'm not sure if the camera is level).

Bryant wrote:I don't see anything in here that is directly indicative of tectonics save perhaps the tilting of the strata (hard to say, I'm not sure if the camera is level).

OK, then what are we looking for there so?

The actual makeup of the strata layers??? That's what we use here on Earth isn't it???

Badass pic BTW

Full pic is Here

I've so far convinced myself that I see dipping strata (sedimentary rocks formed usually under water or alternatively volcanic flows, either of which have been faulted/folded to produce a non-horizontal orientation), aeolian (wind blown) sand deposited against some of the protruding rocks, and desert pavement (formed by soil process requiring water). I'm not sure if the low ridge in the near middle of the image is a bluff formed by alluvial process or a weathered fault scarp.

Bryant wrote:I've so far convinced myself that I see dipping strata (sedimentary rocks formed usually under water or alternatively volcanic flows, either of which have been faulted/folded to produce a non-horizontal orientation), aeolian (wind blown) sand deposited against some of the protruding rocks, and desert pavement (formed by soil process requiring water). I'm not sure if the low ridge in the near middle of the image is a bluff formed by alluvial process or a weathered fault scarp.

So your opinion is that Mars had substantial water levels at one time??? If true, what forces or events would cause the loss of water in Mar's atmosphere??? Is there any evidence of below ground water tables or is Mars completely devoid of water(seems like H and O would be found)???

Cool stuff really.