Sulci Gordii close-up

This image focuses on a region on the western limb of Sulci Gordii (top centre-right on the corresponding main image). It shows clearly in the foreground the near-parallel characteristic of the ridges and valleys that define geological features called sulci. Close inspection of the ridges reveals dark streaks along their faces, evidence of numerous small landslides of rocky and dusty debris.

Sulci Gordii is an aureole deposit resulting from the dramatic collapse of the flank of Olympus Mons in its distant past.

The image was taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera onESA’s Mars Express on 23 January 2013 (orbit 11531), with a ground resolution of about 31 m per pixel. Sulci Gordii lies at approximately 17°N / 234°E, about 200 km east of Olympus Mons.