CTX-6: Image of Juventae Chasma 24 meter/pixel version (2.2 MBytes) 12 meter/pixel version (5.4 MBytes) 6 meter/pixel version (full resolution)(20.6 MBytes) Image credit: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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This image shows a mound of layered rock within the large depression Juventae Chasma (3.5°S, 61.9°W) known from data from the Omega spectrometer on the Mars Express mission to have sulfate minerals mixed within it. The clear expression of layering in the CTX image and the potential for correlation with MRO CRISM hyper-spectral data open the possibility of relating specific beds to specific compositions, indicating the nature of the depositional environment and subsequent alteration. Among the more interesting aspects of this image are the dunes of sand that appear to be migrating over the top of the mound, and a flat-surfaced, plateau/mesa forming unit covering the northeast side of the mound but also seen within valleys to the north and along the southern margin of the mound. This unit may be the marker of an ancient erosional surface. In this image, north is towards the top and the sun is coming from the left. |
Malin Space Science Systems built and operates the CTX and MARCI onboard MRO at its facilities in San Diego, California. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory operates the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, California, and Denver, Colorado.
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