[meteorite-list] Mars Express Image: Western flank of Olympus Mons

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:31:15 2004
Message-ID: <200404211718.KAA10736_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

 

http://www.esa.int/export/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEM59O67ESD_0.html

Western flank of Olympus Mons
Mars Express
European Space Agency
21 April 2004

[Image]

These images from ESA's Mars Express show the western flank of the shield
volcano Olympus Mons in the Tharsis region of the western Martian
hemisphere.
 
These images were taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) during
orbit 143 from an altitude of 266 kilometres. They were taken with a
resolution of about 25 metres per pixel and are centred at 222° East
and 22° North. North is to the right.

The images show the western flank of Olympus Mons and the escarpment at
lower left rises from the surface level to over 7000 metres. At the top
of the image, part of the extensive plains west of the escarpment are
shown, known as the 'aureole' (from the Latin for 'circle of light').
 

[Image]

Western flank of Olympus Mons in 3D
 
To the north and west of the volcano, these 'aureole' deposits are regions of
gigantic ridges and blocks extending some 1000 kilometres from the summit like
petals of a flower. The origin of the deposits has challenged planetary scientists
for an explanation for decades.

The most persistent explanation, however, has been landslides. Large masses
of shield material can be found in the aureole area. Several indications also
suggest a development and resurfacing connected to glacial activity.
 

[Image]
The colour image has been created
from the nadir and three colour
channels. Image resolution has been
decreased to 50%.

The anaglyph (3D) image has been
created from the nadir channel
(vertical view) and one stereo
channel of the HRSC. This 3D image
above requires stereoscopic glasses
to view.

[Image]
Perspective view of flank of Olympus Mons

[Image]
Close-up perspective view of flank of Olympus Mons
 
Received on Wed 21 Apr 2004 01:18:01 PM PDT