PIA00469: Venus - Complex Network of Narrow Fractures Near Hestia Rupes Region

Target Name: Venus Is a satellite of: Sol (our sun) Mission: Magellan Spacecraft: Magellan Instrument: Imaging Radar Product Size: 1737 samples x 818 lines Produced By: JPL Producer ID: P38104 Addition Date: 1996-10-23 Primary Data Set: Magellan MIDRs Full-Res TIFF: PIA00469.tif (1.342 MB) Full-Res JPEG: PIA00469.jpg (475.7 kB)

Original Caption Released with Image: This is a Magellan radar image covering a 105- kilometer (63-mile) by 45-kilometer (27-mile) region near Hestia Rupes on the northwestern corner of Aphrodite Terra. The complex network of narrow (<1 kilometer) fractures in the center of the image extends for approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles). This network exhibits tributary-like branches similar to those observed in river systems on Earth. However, the angular intersections of tributaries suggest tectonic control. These features appear to be due to drainage of lava along preexisting fractures and subsequent collapse of the surface. The underlying tectonic fabric can be observed in the northeast trending ridges which predate the plains. Image Credit: NASA/JPL