JavaScript is required
JPL Logo
Image

Meridiani Crater

Aug. 31, 2005
NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a crater formed in light-toned, layered, sedimentary rocks in Meridiani Planum on Mars. Erosion of sedimentary rock layers around the crater rim has caused an uneven retreat.

31 August 2005
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a crater formed in light-toned, layered, sedimentary rocks in Meridiani Planum. This crater is located approximately 55 kilometers (~34 miles) southwest of the Mars Exploration Rover, Opportunity, site. Erosion of sedimentary rock layers around the crater rim has caused an uneven retreat, resulting in the formation of U-shaped alcoves where undermining and collapse have occurred. Dark material in this scene is probably sand and granules, similar to the dark surfaces explored by the Opportunity rover.

Location near: 3.1°S, 5.8°W
Image width: width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi)
Illumination from: lower left
Season: Southern Spring

Keep Exploring