Layers in East Candor

MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-475, 6 September 2003

Eroded, layered sedimentary rock exposures are common in the chasms of the Valles Marineris system. This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows some of the layers in eastern Candor Chasma. Faulting has created the steep slope that runs left to right across the lower half of the image. About two-thirds of the way down this slope occurs a distinct change from a spur-and-gully slope morphology to a flatter topography overlain by piles of talus that have come down the slopes. This abrupt change might indicate the location of a fault. The picture is located near 7.2°S, 69.0°W and covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) across. The scene is illuminated by sunlight from the left.