Patterns in sedimentary layers on Mars could be the result of cyclical climate change caused by regular variations in the tilt of the planet’s axis:

Climate on Earth is controlled by similar cyclical changes in the Earth’s orbit and axial tilt, which leads to alternating glacial and interglacial periods.

LiveScience article: Mars Wobbles Created Climate Swings

Credit: Topography: Caltech; HiRISE Images: NASA/JPL/Univ. of Arizona

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