Topographical Mars
Explanation:
Contrasting colors trace changing elevations in this new high-resolution
topographic map of Mars.
Just released, the data were gathered in 1998 and 1999 by the
Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA)
onboard the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft.
The martian topography is seen
to range over 19 miles between the
highest volcanic peaks (white) and the lowest regions (purple).
Along with the striking
difference between
the Red Planet's
low northern hemisphere (top) and high southern regions,
one of the most noticeable
features on the map is the
large blue-purple southern depression corresponding
to the Hellas basin.
Likely the result of an asteroid impact, Mars' deepest basin
is about 1300 miles across making it one of the
largest impact features in the Solar System.
Explorations
of MOLA's rich topographic database are expected to produce
insights into water flows and the
geologic history of Mars.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
