November 22, 2011

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Space Image: Claritas Fossae , Mars

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
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Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

(PhysOrg.com) -- Mars' Claritas Fossae region is characterized by systems of "graben" running mainly north-west to south-east.

A graben forms when a block of the planet's crust drops down between two faults, due to extension, or pulling, of the crust.

This image was originally released July 13, 2011.

Provided by JPL/NASA

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