Mars Photo of the Day - Dec 14 2012

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Today's Image of Mars shows faults in Candor Chasma. This image of Mars is very similar to one I showcased just a few days ago- [Mars Photo of the Day - Dec 10 2011]. I guess you could say I preempted the HiRISE team.

The reason for the extensive faulting in Candor Chasma is still under debate, but we can see from this image that the layered deposits have shifted since they were first laid down. This is likely do to tectonic activity caused by stress on the Martian crust. 

Candor Chasma has been shown to have large quantities of hematite, a mineral that can precipitate out of water. Understanding the circumstances of its formation would help scientists piece together more of the distant Martian past.

Clicking on this image will take you to the original, captioned image from HiRISE.

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If you like the HiRISE images showcased in the Mars Photo of the Day posts I encourage you to enter for a free 2012 HiRISE Calendar

Mars Photo of the Day - Dec 10 2011

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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.

See All Mars Photo of the Day Posts!