MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-483, 14 September 2003

This is a May 2003 Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) picture of terrain in the Kasei Valles region. The lower third of the image shows flow patterns formed by mud or lava from some of the youngest flow events that occurred in the valley system. These events occurred some time ago, however, because there has been sufficient time for a plethora of small impact craters to form on the surface. In addition, large, ripple-like, windblown bedforms occur along the margin of the flow materials and the adjacent upland. At least two generations of ripples are recognized--a suite of larger ones with groups of smaller ripples located between them. The image is located near 16.4°N, 74.9°W. This picture covers an area 3 km (1.9 mi) across and is illuminated by sunlight from the lower left.