Google+ Mars Travel: Mars Photo of the Day - Dec 10 2011

Mars Photo of the Day - Dec 10 2011

Today's Image of Mars shows extensive layering and faulting in Candor Chasma. Candor Chasma is divided into two parts (East and West) by a large fault. While no one is really sure how the large fault was created, scientists speculate that it could be the result of tectonic processes that pulled the Martian crust apart in similar fashion to a graben. Another theory involves subsurface water erosion that results in surface collapse.

While the cause of the fault that divides the East and West Candor Chasma is under debate, it seems safe to say that there was once a lot of tectonic activity in Candor Chasma, as evidenced by the numerous faults and in this image and others.

This image is from HiRISE, but it doesn't currently have a caption associated with it, so instead it will link to other images of Candor Chasma showcased by Mars Travel.

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