With mesas, cliffs and flat valleys, Nilosyrtis Mensae is old terrain with a complex geologic history, including minerals that are not altered by water along with altered minerals such as clays. We see plenty of evidence of fluvial and volcanic processes, tectonic faulting, and erosion in this region. It’s easy to see why Nilosyrtis is a perennial favorite to image at high resolution.
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Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://www.uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_064521_2075
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