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.
Dark
Light
Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://www.uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_064521_2075
Related Posts
The Rugged Slope
Earlier images of this site showed potential recurring slope lineae, so this observation was taken to confirm that.…
The Beauty of Layered Stratigraphy
The layered bedrock in this image was brought from several kilometers of depth during the formation of this…
Rock Falls on Steep Slopes
How can one mission help another? With HiRISE resolution, we can take “before” images in order to identify…
Mesas and Pits
What’s up and what’s down? This image covers mesas, or high-standing plateaus, to the north and pits, or…