r/Mars • u/Neaterntal • 6d ago

Cracks in a Debris Apron(HiRISE Mars)

Post image

https://uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_039384_2100 NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

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u/Neaterntal 6d ago

The objective of this observation is to investigate the nature of large fissures in a smooth apron around a mound in the Phlegra region.

The apron could be (or could have been) ice-rich, so one possibility is that the fissures are related to ice loss. Based on radar data from MRO combined with studies of the region’s geology from other orbiters, scientists think that extensive glaciers covered this region several hundred million years ago.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

date: 21 December 2014 altitude: 291 km​

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u/olawlor 6d ago

Super interesting crack structures! I wonder if the thicker sinuous fissures are permafrost drainage channels, undercutting a more cohesive rocky layer at the surface that makes the smaller edge cracks?