A
system of aligned fissures makes up Cerberus Fossae running east of the Elysium
region on Mars, as seen by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Floods
of both water and lava likely came from such fissures. Most recently, a massive
outpouring of basaltic lava resulted in many volcanic features in this region
of the red planet. Mesas of older rock just north of the fissures represent the
older surface, now eroded.
The
false blue color in this image indicates basaltic rock, with blue ripples in
the trough floor perhaps consisting of wind-blown sand. The upper plains appear
blander with a possible coating of dust.
— NASA/JPL/University of Arizona and SPACE.com
Staff
Credit: NASA/JPL/University
of Arizona
Return each weekday for a new SPACE.com Image of the Day.
| 
