Characteristic features of Thyles Rupes on Mars
Characteristic features of Thyles Rupes on Mars
This region is criss-crossed by escarpments. These were formed by tectonic activity as the Red Planet contracted in its early history. Some escarpments formed on top of pre-existing impact craters ('crater superimposed by rupes'). Others had already formed by the time they were struck by asteroids ('rupes superimposed by later craters'). In the bottom left corner of the image is an enormous glacier, which is in fact part of the south polar cap and likewise has a high escarpment. Large temperature differences here in spring often give rise to clouds, as can also be seen in this image. In the bottom right of the image, extensive frost-covered dune fields can be seen ('frost covered dune fields' or 'partly frost covered dunes'). North is to the right of the image, south to the left.
