3D Mars: Northern Terra Meridiani
Explanation:
In this spectacular 3D
stereoscopic view from orbit, steep-sided,
flat-topped hills stand above the Terra Meridiani region of Mars.
Seen best with
red/blue
glasses (red for the left eye),
the structures are reminiscent of buttes and mesas found in
southwestern
areas of the North American continent on
planet Earth.
Like their
terrestrial counterparts,
these layered martian outcrops apparently formed of hard
sedimentary rocks with surrounding
softer material eroded away.
The possibility that
surface water laid down the
formations makes the
Terra Meridiani
region a tempting target for
future
exploration by Mars landers.
But alternative explanations include material deposited by wind
or accumulations of
volcanic ash.
The area pictured is about 3 kilometers across, maybe a
thirty minute walk over flat ground.
Terrestrial rock climbers
take note; you and your equipment would
only weigh around 1/3 as much in the lower
martian surface gravity.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
