Strange Steep Slopes on Mars (moved from ATSNN), page 1

A fascinating feature recently discovered on the surface of Mars, of unclear origin. Water-bearing channels are visible on the images, as shown below:

www.cnn.com
The Medusa Fossae formation is an extensive area of unknown origin found near a boundary between the highlands and lowlands of Mars. It straddles the Tharsis and Elysium centers of volcanic activity.

This dichotomy boundary is a narrow region separating the cratered highlands, located mostly in the southern hemisphere of the red planet, from the northern hemisphere's lowland plains.

The cratered highlands stand 1.2 -- 3.1 miles (2 -- 5 kilometers) above the lowland plains, so the boundary is a relatively steep slope.

The processes that created and modified the boundary remain a major unanswered issues in Mars science, say scientists with the European Space Agency, which released the Mars Express orbiter images last week.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

I like the way the mention of water, ice and channels became a commonplace in the Mars science. The whole field is being revolutionized. Can't wait for the next robotic mission to Mars.

[edit on 4-4-2005 by Aelita]