Active Flows on Steep Slopes in Ganges Chasma
NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona
Active Flows on Steep Slopes in Ganges Chasma
ESP_049981_1710  Science Theme: Geologic Contacts/Stratigraphy
This image covers a steep west-facing slope in southwestern Ganges Chasma, north of the larger canyons of Valles Marineris. The spot was targeted both for the bedrock exposures and to look for active slope processes.

We see two distinct flow deposits: lobate flows that are relatively bright, sometimes with dark fringes, and very thin brownish lines that resemble recurring slope lineae (or “RSL”). Both flows emanate from rocky alcoves. The RSL are superimposed on the lobate deposits (perhaps rocky debris flows), so they are younger and more active.

The possible role of water in forming the debris flows and RSL are the subjects of continuing debate among scientists. We will acquire more images here to see if the candidate RSL are active.



Written by: Alfred McEwen (audio: Tre Gibbs)  (31 May 2017)
 
Acquisition date
26 March 2017

Local Mars time
14:05

Latitude (centered)
-8.769°

Longitude (East)
307.860°

Spacecraft altitude
262.4 km (163.1 miles)

Original image scale range
52.9 cm/pixel (with 2 x 2 binning) so objects ~159 cm across are resolved

Map projected scale
50 cm/pixel and North is up

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Equirectangular

Emission angle
2.3°

Phase angle
28.7°

Solar incidence angle
31°, with the Sun about 59° above the horizon

Solar longitude
339.1°, Northern Winter

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North azimuth:  97°
Sub-solar azimuth:  3.8°
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POSTSCRIPT
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Washington. The HiRISE camera was built by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation and is operated by the University of Arizona.