Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Kasei Valles Scene
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-483, 14 September 2003
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
This is a May 2003 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) picture of terrain in the Kasei Valles region. The lower third of the image shows flow patterns formed by mud or lava from some of the youngest flow events that occurred in the valley system. These events occurred some time ago, however, because there has been sufficient time for a plethora of small impact craters to form on the surface. In addition, large, ripple-like, windblown bedforms occur along the margin of the flow materials and the adjacent upland. At least two generations of ripples are recognized--a suite of larger ones with groups of smaller ripples located between them. The image is located near 16.4°N, 74.9°W. This picture covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) across and is illuminated by sunlight from the lower 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.
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