Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Layers in East Candor
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-475, 6 September 2003
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
|
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
Eroded, layered sedimentary rock exposures are common in the chasms of the Valles Marineris system. This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows some of the layers in eastern Candor Chasma. Faulting has created the steep slope that runs left to right across the lower half of the image. About two-thirds of the way down this slope occurs a distinct change from a spur-and-gully slope morphology to a flatter topography overlain by piles of talus that have come down the slopes. This abrupt change might indicate the location of a fault. The picture is located near 7.2°S, 69.0°W and covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) across. The scene is illuminated by sunlight from the left.
Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission. MSSS operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, California. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Surveyor Operations Project operates the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, California and Denver, Colorado.
To MSSS Home Page