MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-570, 10 December 2003

This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows troughs created by movement along geologic faults in the upper crust of Mars in the Tempe Terra region. Large ripple-like dunes have formed in sediment trapped on the floors of the troughs. In most cases, the ripples are oriented with their crests perpendicular to the troughs, indicating that local winds within each trough are responsible for their patterns. This area is located near 33.1°N, 70.2°W. The image covers an area approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) wide and is illuminated from the lower left.