Massive faults on Mars
Massive faults on Mars
Cliffs up to 1000 metres high, known as 'Thyles Rupes', extend diagonally across the upper part of the image, from the top left to the bottom right. They overlie a pre-existing impact crater. Other, smaller bodies struck the escarpment after it had formed. In the foreground, part of the south polar cap can be seen. It, too, has a striking escarpment sloping down towards the centre of the image, in which the layering of ice and dust deposits can be seen.