A Martian River Bed
Explanation:
This canyon on
the surface of Mars appears to have been
carved by flowing water.
Known as Nanedi Vallis, the terraces and channels visible within the
canyon strongly suggest that
a river of water once ran here.
But the lack of smaller surface channels and other features
argue that the valley was formed by a surface collapse.
Further images of
Martian valley systems will help distinguish
the degree to which these processes affected the Martian surface.
This image was recorded
on January 8th by the
Mars Global Surveyor's camera
during its 87th orbit
of the red planet.
The area pictured is about 6 miles wide.
High resolution versions of the image
show features that are as small as 40 feet across.
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.
