16 August 2006
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows
some dark slope streaks in the Phlegra Dorsa region of Mars. Of particular
interest is the split streak near the center of the image, which diverted
around a rounded hill as the material was sliding down the slope. Slope
streaks occur in regions of Mars that are mantled by fine, bright dust.
They do not occur on slopes that have no dust coating. They are therefore
suspected to form by dry avalanching of the dust, despite their somewhat
fluid appearance.
Location near: 24.9°N, 184.0°W
Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi)
Illumination from: upper left
Season: Northern Spring