This image covers a rocky ridge deep in Melas Chasma, targeted to sample bedrock exposures. The slopes are quite steep, so there has been considerable mass wasting where boulders become loose over time and tumble down the slopes.

Hiking over this terrain would be challenging for future human visitors. It would also be quite challenging for rovers to drive here. Drones that can fly over this terrain may be the best way to explore the geology.

ID: ESP_092075_1680
date: 18 March 2026
altitude: 263 km

https://uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_092075_1680
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
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