Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Collapsed Subsurface Channel
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-698, 16 April 2004
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 evidence of a collapsed lava tube (or other form of subterranean channel) on the plains northwest of the Elysium volcanoes. Lava or another fluid (e.g., water) was transported through a subsurface channel; later, the roof collapsed to form a series of pits and troughs, revealing the channel's location. This landform is located near 32.7°N, 219.5°W. The image covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) across. Sunlight illuminates the scene 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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