Elysium Fossae

Today's VIS image contains a sections of the many channel forms found radial to the Elysium Mons volcanic complex. In this case the fossae are located to the west of Elysium Mons. Elysium Fossae are comprised of both linear and sinuous channels, usually interpreted to have both fluid and tectonic forces playing a part in the formation. The linear depressions resemble grabens (formed by tectonic forces) and sinuous channel more closely resembles features caused by fluid flow - either lava or water created by melting subsurface ice due to volcanic heating.