SECTION 6. LAMINATED POLAR TERRAIN AND OTHER
AEOLIAN-RELATED FEATURES
21. Edge of the PLT

Deposition and removal of the PLT does not significantly modify the terrain beneath. The exhumation of relatively pristine, preexisting terrain is shown here, with craters being uncovered by wind erosion that removes the overburden without eroding the crater rims. The laminated terrain, therefore, must be much more erodible than the older terrain upon which it rests. The hook-shaped features are probably caused by the more complete erosion of thinner laminated terrain over preexisting topography and perhaps also by aerodynamic enhancement of erosion.

Location: Latitude -80.9°, Longitude 270.7°. Viking orbiter photograph 383B50, NCF rectilinear version, minus-blue filter.

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