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> Mars: Noctis Labyrinthus

Mars: Noctis Labyrinthus

author: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin-G. Neukum/Novapix

reference: a-mar09-00095

Image Size 300 DPI: 43 * 34 cm

On 25 June 2006 the High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), onboard the ESA spacecraft Mars Express obtained image data with a ground resolution of approximately 16 meters per pixel. The data were acquired in the region of Noctis Labyrinthus at approximately 6.5° southern latitude and 260° eastern longitude. The region Noctis Labyrinthus is located directly on the western edge of Valles Marineris, the Grand Canyon of Mars. It is part of the complex graben system which is associated with the up-arching of Tharsis. Eye-catching is the high density of deeply incised, smaller, labyrinth-like fractures. The scene exhibits parts of those graben structures which are incised up to 5000 meters. They are strongly eroded as can be seen at the bottom of the graben which exhibits detritus. Younger lithologies can be seen on the upper edge of the graben.
The fractures are witnesses of so-called extensional tectonics. The intense volcanism in the Tharsis region was associated with an intense up-arching of large areas. This process resulted in tectonic stress, causing the crust to thin out and lead to graben formation.

Keywords for this photo:

2006 - 3D - ASTRONOMY - CANYON - MARS - MARS EXPRESS - NOCTIS LABYRINTHUS - PLANET - TECTONIC - VALLES MARINERIS -