Overview of the HRSC image
The HRSC image shows a remarkable scene in the highlands of Noachis Terra, one of the oldest regions on Mars (see context map). The highlands are characterized by ancient terrain dating back to the Noachian period, which lasted from approximately 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago. The old age of the landscape is evident from the densely cratered surface that dominates this region. The image features part of Kaiser Crater, a large impact crater located among numerous neighboring craters, including Neukum, Greeley and Le Verrier (see context map). Kaiser Crater measures about 180 kilometers in diameter and reaches a depth of nearly two kilometers. The right side of the image shows the southern part of Kaiser Crater, while the left side displays a few smaller impact craters near its rim. What makes the HRSC scene particularly distinctive is the extensive dune field covering much of the crater floor, with its dark, metallic appearance (see annotated image).