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Chaotic terrain in Iani Chaos


Iani Chaos
 
Chaotic terrain in Iani Chaos
 
17 July 2006
 
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA's Mars Express spacecraft, show Iani Chaos, a region east of Valles Marineris characterized by a disrupted and chaotic appearance, similar to other so-called 'chaotic terrain' on Mars.
 
  
 
   
Map showing Iani Chaos in context
 
The HRSC obtained these images during orbit 945 with a ground resolution of approximately 13.0 metres per pixel. The images show the region of Iani Chaos, lying at approximately 0.7° South and 340.6° East.

Iani Chaos is one of many regions east of Valles Marineris characterized by disrupted or chaotic terrain. The morphology of this terrain is dominated by large-scale remnant massifs, which are large relief masses that have been moved and weathered as a block. These are randomly oriented and heavily eroded.
  
 
Iani Chaos, perspective view
 
Perspective view of Iani Chaos
 
 
To the south (to the left) in the colour image, these mesas, which appear as flat-topped hills, range from less than one kilometre to roughly 8 kilometres wide, with a maximum relative elevation of approximately 1000 metres.

The relatively flat region in the north-west (upper right) of the colour image exhibits a number of faint, circular depressions. These depressions, along with the remnant massifs, may have been formed by collapse of the surface due to the removal of underlying material, for example ice or water.
  
 
Iani Chaos, black and white
   
Iani Chaos, black and white (north to the right)
 
Scientists believe that Iani Chaos was the source of the fluids thought to have created Ares Vallis, the roughly 1500-kilometre-long valley that extends to the north-west in the direction of Chryse Planitia.

The colour scenes have been derived from the three HRSC-colour channels and the nadir channel. The anaglyph image was calculated from the nadir and one stereo channel. Image resolution has been decreased for use on the internet.
 
 
Iani Chaos, 3D anaglyph
 
Iani Chaos, 3D anaglyph
 
For more information on Mars Express HRSC images, please read our updated FAQ (frequently asked questions).
 
 

Mars Express image browser

 •  - (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEMVZF77ESD_0.html)

3D anaglyph images

 •  3D anaglyph images - Kasei Valles (http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMHP16LARE_index_0.html)

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More information

 •  High Resolution Stereo Camera (http://berlinadmin.dlr.de/Missions/express/indexeng.shtml)
 •  Behind the lens... (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEMSXE1PGQD_0.html)