|
|
|
|
The Tarsus region on Mars stands significantly above the average geoid (i.e., the equivalent of Martian sea level.). This region is clearly marked by four immense shield volcanoes, the largest observed anywhere in the solar system. To the east of tarsus is the great surface rift known as the Mariner’s Valley, the Martian Grand Canyon, named for the Mariner spacecraft by which it was first observed. The origin of Tarsus is being studied. One possibility (certainly not proven!) is that Mars was struck at some time in its past by a large body - an asteroid, perhaps, or a large piece of post-accretional debris. The Helles basis, near to, but not exactly at, the antipode of Tarsus, may be the scar of just such an impact.
Slide 8 of 22