CRISM: Olivine and pyroxene in ejecta from northern plains crater

CRISM scene HRL00003BEE covers an area in close proximity to a crater in the northern plains of Mars. In this image, we see strong Fe-rich olivine (yellow) and high calcium pyroxene (HCP, blue) signatures in the ejecta near the crater rim. This is indicative of mafic minerals that have been excavated by this impact crater from a depth of up to 4 km below the current surface, possibly representing previously buried ancient crust. Extensive sedimentary and volcanic deposits cover the northern lowlands of Mars dating back to the Hesperian era. Craters like this one can offer a glimpse of the composition of the…. [More at link]