Perspective view of Tithonium and Ius Chasma from the northwest
Perspective view of Tithonium and Ius Chasma from the northwest
Extensional tectonic activity produced the two rift fractures of Tithonium Chasma (left) and Ius Chasma (right). Due to the space opening as the crust expanded to the north (left) and south, respectively, crustal blocks in the Sinai Planum plateau slumped. The original surface of the plateau can be seen in the centre of the image. Depressions running in a straight line indicate that the tectonic stress under which the region was subjected also left its mark on the almost intact plateau.
