Martian Breccia with Large Clasts (2012.01.12) [720p] [3D converted]
Channel: djxatlanta
Date: 2012-05-25

In this beautiful image there appears to be a breccia layer, or a layer composed of rock fragments embedded in a finer material. This particular breccia is made up of fragments (or "clasts" as they are known to geologists) so large they can be seen by HiRISE. 

The breccia layer, seen most easily near the center of this image, seems to be more resistant to erosion than the surrounding material, serving as a caprock to protect the layers beneath it. 

The HiRISE team is planning on acquiring another image over this area in order to create a stereo (3-D) pair. This will help scientists better understand the topography and stratigraphy of the area.

credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona 

source: http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_025600_1735