The flanks of Ascraeus Mons (annotated)
This annotated image from ESA’s Mars Express shows the southern flanks of Ascraeus Mons, the second-tallest volcano on Mars.
Several key features are labelled across the frame, including lava flows, chains of craters, channel-like rilles and large fissures, all resembling irregular depressions and grooves in the tan-coloured surface. These are collectively named Ascraeus Chasmata, and encompass an enormous patch of collapsed terrain over 70 km across.
This image comprises data gathered by Mars Express’ High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on 15 January 2023 during orbit 24045. It was created using data from the nadir channel, the field of view aligned perpendicular to the surface of Mars, and the colour channels of the HRSC. It is a ‘true colour’ image, reflecting what would be seen by the human eye if looking at this region of Mars.
North is to the right. The ground resolution is approximately 16 m/pixel and the image is centred at about 254°E/9°N.
