Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
The Olympica Fossae of Northern Tharsis
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-156, 19 July 1999
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The Olympica Fossae are a complex array of deep troughs, channels
and streamlined landforms located in northern Tharsis.
Water, mud, lava, and wind are all thought to have played roles in the
formation of these features. This Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter
Camera image, obtained in March 1999, shows streamlined islands
toward the top and middle of the frame and a steep cliff with
layered rock outcrops in the lower portion of the image. For
a different view of the Olympica Fossae, see
"Martian Variety Exhibited by the Olympica Fossae, MOC2-108, 6 April 1999."
Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology
built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission. MSSS
operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, CA. The Jet Propulsion
Laboratory's Mars Surveyor Operations Project operates the Mars Global Surveyor
spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from
facilities in Pasadena, CA and Denver, CO.
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