Meridiani Planum Layers

This VIS image shows layering of surface materials in Meridiani Planum. TES (Thermal Emission Spectrometer) initially detected hematite in a surface layer, which was confimed by THEMIS (THermal EMision Imaging System). These findings supported a water rich origin of the hematite and led to the selection of the site for the Opportunity MER (Mars Exploration Rover).