Sample of the Olympus Mons
NASA/JPL-Caltech/UArizona
Sample of the Olympus Mons
PSP_003595_2115  Science Theme: Mass Wasting Processes
This image samples the rugged central portion of the mysterious "aureole" that extends to the west and north of Olympus Mons.

While many ideas for its formation have been advanced over the decades, these days it is generally thought to be a giant landslide deposit. The scene here fits that model with kilometer-scale (mile-sized) rocky hummocks and blocks strewn about. The blocks themselves are now covered with dust that is slumping off in small landslides or avalanches. These leave dark streaks on the sides of the blocks.



Written by: Laszlo Kestay  (6 June 2007)


This is a stereo pair with PSP_004307_2115.
 
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