Complex Geology in the South Polar Layered Deposits (context image)

This section of the HiRISE image shows a scarp exposing the South Polar Layered Deposits, with illumination from the upper right (scarp slopes toward bottom). The Polar Layered Deposits probably contain a record of relatively recent climate changes on Mars, similar to ice ages on Earth.

The Deposits appear to be composed mostly of water ice, with variations in dust content controlling the erosion of the layers. This image shows that the history of the South Polar Layered Deposits has not been simple accumulation of horizontal layers.