This observation shows striated highlands that are probably the result of what is termed “mass wasting” when material higher up collapses and flows downslope.

This area was also imaged by MOC, but HiRISE resolution (which has a smaller footprint) can show greater detail, enabling us to look for objects such as boulders.

Claritas Rupes extends southward from the western edge of Noctis Labyrinthus and divides the volcanic flows of Deadalia Planum and Solis Planum. This area also has other interesting geological features, such as fractures and a graben, which is a depressed block of land bordered by parallel faults.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team  (1 February 2011)