Peneus Patera is a feature in the
Noachis quadrangle
The Noachis quadrangle is one of a series of list of quadrangles on Mars, 30 quadrangle maps of Mars used by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Research Program. The Noachis quadrangle is also referred to as MC-27 (Mars Cha ...
of Mars. It is located at 58.1 S and 307.5 W. It was named after an
albedo feature
An albedo feature is a large area on the surface of a planet (or other Solar System body) which shows a contrast in brightness or darkness (albedo) with adjacent areas.
Historically, albedo features were the first (and usually only) features to ...
at 48S, 290W.
Scalloped topography
Peneus Patera shows
scalloped topography - depressions with scalloped edges. Sometimes the depressions seem to coalesce together. These features typically occur at about 55 degrees north and south latitude. They are believed to form from the removal of subsurface material, maybe interstitial ice by
sublimation (change from solid to a gas). More gentle slopes face in the direction of the equator, while steep
scarps face the pole. This is probably due to differences in solar heating. The process is believed to be ongoing.
This topography may be of great importance for future colonization of Mars because it may point to
deposits of pure ice.
See also
*
Climate of Mars
The climate of Mars has been a topic of scientific curiosity for centuries, in part because it is the only terrestrial planet whose surface can be directly observed in detail from the Earth with help from a telescope.
Although Mars is smaller t ...
*
HiRISE
High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment is a camera on board the '' Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter'' which has been orbiting and studying Mars since 2006. The 65 kg (143 lb), US$40 million instrument was built under the direction ...
References
Noachis quadrangle
Volcanoes of Mars
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