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Glacial, volcanic and fluvial activity on Mars: latest images   This image of the Martian north polar ice cap shows layers of water ice and dust for the first time in perspective view. Here we see cliffs which are almost 2 kilometres high, and the dark material in the caldera-like structures and dune fields could be volcanic ash.  This close-up view of the Martian north polar ice cap shows layers of water ice and dust for the first time in perspective view. Here we see cliffs which are almost 2 kilometres high, and the dark material in the caldera-like structures and dune fields could be volcanic ash.  ESA's Mars Express spacecraft saw fields of volcanic cones at the Martian north pole. Some are up to 600 metres high.        A perspective view of the western side of the Olympus Mons caldera showing evidence of ice/snow and water. On the eastern side of the giant volcano, lava produced between 200 million and 20 million years ago melted a snow and ice layer on the volcanic shield, with the result that liquid water was on the surface as recently as 20 million years ago.
On the western side, lava produced between 200 million and 2.5 million years ago mobilised underground water and formed glaciers as recently as four million years ago. Release date: 25 February 2005 |