Mars Express image browser
Click on the flags on the Martian surface to see images from ESA's Mars Express.
ARCHIVE CONTENT
27 MAR. 2006
publication date
5867
Views
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft, show the region of Libya Montes, south of the Isidis Planitia impact basin on Mars.
Media modal
Map showing location of Libya Montes in context
The HRSC obtained these images during orbit 922 with a ground resolution of approximately 14.3 metres per pixel at equatorial latitudes near longitude 81° East.
The images show the central reaches of a 400-kilometre long valley that was carved into the surface in early Martian history, approximately 350 million years ago.
The central parts of the broad valley show traces of an interior valley, documenting the flow of water that once occurred on the surface of the planet during periods of wetter climate.
Media modal
An animated look at Libya Montes
Determinations of discharge volumes on the basis of high-resolution HRSC-derived digital terrain models reveal discharge rates comparable to those of the middle reaches of the USA's Mississippi river.
Baesd on crater-size frequency distributions on the valley floor and surrounding terrain it has been shown that the formation time of the valley is about 350 million years.
Media modal
Libya Montes valley region on Mars, perspective view
Measurements of erosion rates suggest that the active phases of valley development are characterised by short periods of intense fluvial activity rather than sustained liquid flow.
Details on valley formation have been published by R. Jaumann (DLR) and colleagues, as an article ‘Constraints on fluvial erosion by measurements of the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera’ in Geophysical Research Letters, 32, L16203, doi:10.1029/2005GL023415).
Media modal
3D anaglyph view of Libya Montes valley region
The colour scenes were derived from the three HRSC colour channels and the nadir channel. The perspective views have been calculated from the digital terrain model derived from the stereo channels.
The 3D anaglyph image was calculated from the nadir and one stereo channel. The black and white high-resolution images were derived from the nadir channel that provides the highest detail of all the channels. Image resolution has been decreased for use on the internet.
Media modal
Perspective view of Libya Montes valley, looking east
For more information on Mars Express HRSC images, you might like to read our updated 'Frequently Asked Questions'.
Media modal
Lava tubes on Pavonis Mons
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA's Mars Express, show Pavonis Mons, the central volcano of the three 'shield' volcanoes that comprise Tharsis Montes.
Extensional tectonics in Tempe Terra
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA's Mars Express spacecraft, show the tectonic 'grabens' in Tempe Terra, a geologically complex region that is part of the old Martian highlands.
Nanedi Valles system on Mars
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA's Mars Express spacecraft, show the Nanedi Valles valley system, a steep-sided feature that may have been formed in part by free-flowing water.
Share this page
stay updated
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, mission updates, and exclusive insights directly in your inbox. Be the first to know about our upcoming projects and breakthroughs.