Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Platy Flows in Elysium Planitia


These lava flows in Elysium Planitia are called platy flows. The surface of the lava flow cooled and solidified, while liquid lava beneath kept flowing. The continued flow broke apart the solid surface and moved the pieces like rafts. This VIS image shows a channel of such movement.

Photo credit: NASA/JPL/Arizona State University

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