Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera

South Amazonis Yardangs

MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-1135, 27 June 2005


NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows classic yardangs, landforms created by wind erosion in southern Amazonis Planitia. The boat-shaped mesa, in particular, is a classic example of a yardang landform. Yardangs are found on both Earth and Mars.
Location near: 11.2°N, 162.2°W
Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi)
Illumination from: lower left
Season: Northern Autumn


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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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