Hephaestus Fossae
About this image
This VIS image is located in the central portion of Hephaestus Fossae. Hephaestus Fossae is a complex channel system in Utopia Planitia near Elysium Mons. It has been proposed that the channel formed by the release of melted subsurface ice during the impact event that created a large crater south of this image. Additionally, the nearby Elysium volcanic center created subsurface heating that may have played a part in creating both Hephaestus Fossae and Hebrus Valles to the north. Since many of the channels have right angle intersections, tectonic forces may also have played a part in the formation of this system. In fact, the entire feature is called a 'fossae' rather than a 'vallis', recognizing the dual forces of tectonic stresses and fluid flow. The entire system is approximately 605km long (375 miles).
Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.