DESCRIPTION AND
DATA SHEET

Vedra Valles
Lunae Planum, Mars

This Viking 3-D view shows Vedra Valles, a group of now dry outwash channels that once flowed eastward into the giant Chryse Basin on Mars. Similar channels, including Ares Vallis, surround Chryse. These channels were carved by running water in a period when Mars was capable of sustaining liquid water on its surface. The Viking 1 landing site is located roughly 400 kilometers east of Vedra Valles.

The waters that carved Vedra Valles originated 1200 kilometers to the south in Juventae Chasma, which is part of the Valles Marineris canyon system. Many of these waters flowed into nearby Maja Vallis, but some were diverted into Vedra Valles. The deep channels seen here were carved through the rim of the Chryse basin.

These channels are estimated to be 200 to 300 meters deep. A sequence of channels can be identified. Older channels were abandoned and new channels cut. Water from one set of channels breached a 12-kilometer-wide impact crater (center left), forming a large lake. A series of impressive cataracts mark the breach. The smooth floor may be lake sediment.

DATA SHEET (Top)

Location:
     19.5 N, 55.0 W
Quadrangle:
     MC-10 (Lunae Palus)
Mission:
     Viking 1
Image Numbers:
     022A76, 047A56
Image Resolution
(Full-Sized View):
     40 meters/pixel
Image Width:
     81 kilometers
Vertical Exaggeration:
     3.1 × Normal
Vertical Resolution:
     13 meters
Spacecraft Altitude:
     1547 kilometers
Convergence Angle:
     36°