Elysium Fossae

Today's VIS image contains a section of one of the many channel forms found radial to the Elysium Mons volcanic complex. In this case the fossae are located to the northwest 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. Linear depressions resemble grabens (formed by tectonic forces) and sinuous channels more closely resembles features caused by fluid flow - either lava or water created by melting subsurface ice due to volcanic heating. This image shows a section of a sinuous channel. The Elysium Fossae system is 1044 km (649 miles) in length.