"(they resemble intervals on a topo map.)"

Yes, they do, good Obs!

When layers of rocks are roughly parallel to the surface, their differential erosion looks like a topo map.

When layers are at a low angle to the surface, the pattern can be quite complex.

As they bcome steeper, they become straight lines cutting across topo lines. (that's why I think there is vertical laying exposed in the crater, look at the lines of outcrop in the middle. Well, they might be those linear dune/ripples, but I don't think so.)

You can check this out by looking at a deck of cards at different orientations.

As far as the constant thickness goes (another good obs) I believe that represents a constant cyclicity to the depositional enviroment. Not at all uncommon to see this with aeolean deposits. The sedimentary structures here sure look alot like the Navajo Sandstone in Utah. (not the composition, just the cross beds.)