Chasma
In
Mars
Below are images of some of the major chasmata of Mars. The map shows their relative locations.
Interior layered deposits and sulfate
Parts of the floor of Candor Chasma contains layered deposits that have been termed interior layered deposits (ILD's). These layers may have formed when the whole area was a giant lake. Some places on Mars contain hydrated sulfate deposits. Sulfate formation involves the presence of water. The European Space Agency's Mars Express found evidence of perhaps epsomite and kieserite. Scientists want to visit these areas with robotic rovers.[2]
Layers
Images of rocks in the canyon walls almost always show layers. Some layers appear tougher than others. In the image below of
Hebes Chasma and hydrated deposits
Hebes Chasma, a large enclosed valley, may have once held water. Hydrated minerals have been found there. It is thought that large-scale underground springs of groundwater at different times burst to the surface to form deposits called Light Toned Deposits (LTD's). Some suggest present or fossilized life forms may be found there because the deposits are relatively young.[6]
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Map of Coprates quadrangle showing details of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon system in the solar system. Some of the canyons may have once been filled with water. The map shows the locations of a number of major Chasma.
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False color image of Candor Chasma showing locations of hydrated sulfate deposits, as seen by THEMIS. Red colors show rocky places. Greens and blues show sandy, dusty areas.
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Melas Chasma, as seen by THEMIS. Click on image to see relationship of Melas to other features.
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Cliff in Candor Chasma Plateau, as seen by THEMIS. Click on image to see relationship with other features in Coprates quadrangle.
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Cliff in northern wall of Ganges Chasma, as seen by THEMIS. Click on image to see relationship with other features in the Coprates quadrangle.
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Ophir Chasma Wall, as seen by HiRISE.
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Ius Chasma, as seen by HiRISE. Click on image to see layers.
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Tithonium Chasma Layers, as seen by HiRISE.
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Ganges Chasma Layers, as seen by HiRISE.
See also
- Geology of Mars – Scientific study of the surface, crust, and interior of the planet Mars
References
- ^ "Planetary Names: Descriptor Terms (Feature Types)". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-08-25. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
- ^ "Bath Salts in Candor Chasma? - Mars Odyssey Mission THEMIS". themis.asu.edu. Archived from the original on 29 September 2009. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
- ^ "Landslides and Debris in Coprates Chasma - Mars Odyssey Mission THEMIS". themis.asu.edu. Archived from the original on 29 September 2009. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
- ^ "HiRISE - Light-toned Layers in Eos Chaos (PSP_005385_1640)". hirise.lpl.arizona.edu. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
- ^ "Stratigraphy Exposed in Ius Chasma". 2008-10-08.
- ^ http://www.universetoday.com/2008/12/11/Groundwater May Have Played Important Role in Shaping Mars
External links
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