Gullies on Gorgonum Chaos Mesas
This observation from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) shows part of Gorgonum Chaos, a large cluster of chaotic terrain found in the southern hemisphere. Many regions of chaotic terrain are found at the head of large outflow channels that were scoured by ancient floods. Gorgonum Chaos is one region that is not associated with an outflow channel. Chaotic terrain can form when subsurface volatiles (such as water) are catastrophically released and the overlying surface collapses. It is not known whether isolated chaotic terrain -- such as that shown in this image -- formed in the same way that the chaotic terrain near the outflow channels did. Wind erosion might play a role in their formation.
Size: 3366px × 2525px
Photo credit: © NG Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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