HiRISE images show strange-looking Mars formations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of HiRISE images captured by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, revealing unusual formations on Mars. Specifically, it highlights a trough with channels leading into a depression and an impact crater with a central peak, as seen in Context Camera image CTX 033783_1509. Participants note that the formations resemble glacial crevasses, despite the absence of glaciers, and identify the ridges as bedforms resulting from fluid flow over sand or similar materials, aligning perpendicularly to canyon walls.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of HiRISE imaging technology
  • Familiarity with Mars geology and topography
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics and sediment transport
  • Experience with interpreting planetary imagery
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics of HiRISE imaging and its applications in planetary science
  • Study the geological features of Mars, focusing on impact craters and their formations
  • Explore the principles of fluid dynamics as they apply to sedimentary structures
  • Examine other Context Camera images for comparative analysis of Martian landscapes
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, planetary geologists, and researchers interested in Martian geology and the interpretation of extraterrestrial imagery will benefit from this discussion.

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Who's got some ideas?

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This image from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is a close-up of a trough, along with channels draining into the depression. Some HiRISE images show strange-looking formations. Sometimes it helps to look at Context Camera images to understand the circumstances of a scene -- like this cutout from CTX 033783_1509 -- which here shows an impact crater with a central peak, and a collapse depression with concentric troughs just north of that peak.

https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/jpl/pia22348/formations-in-context-or-what-is-it
 

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the right ones remind me of glacial crevasses .. but no glaciers here

Definitely weird
 
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This ridges appear to be a classic example of bedforms. which result from fluid flow over sand or similar aggregates. Note how they tend to align perpendicular to 'walls' of the canyon in which they reside.
 
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