Climate-driven deposition of water ice and the formation of mounds in craters in Mars' north polar region

► Eighteen potentially ice-cored mounds were found in craters in Mars' north polar region. ► The stratigraphy of the mounds argues for deposition from the atmosphere. ► We argue many of them were deposited separately from the polar cap. ► The crater micro-environment is a potential explanation for mound initiation. ► These mounds are sensitive and important records of Amazonian climate on Mars.