Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Troughs in Tempe Terra
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-568, 8 December 2003
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows troughs created by movement along geologic faults in the upper crust of Mars in the Tempe Terra region. Large ripple-like dunes have formed in sediment trapped on the floors of the troughs. In most cases, the ripples are oriented with their crests perpendicular to the troughs, indicating that local winds within each trough are responsible for their patterns. This area is located near 33.1°N, 70.2°W. The image covers an area approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) wide and is illuminated 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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