 Scalloped Terrain at Peneus Patera, as seen byHiRISE. Scalloped terrain is quite common in some areas of Mars. | |
| Coordinates | 58°06′S307°30′W / 58.1°S 307.5°W /-58.1; -307.5 |
|---|---|
Peneus Patera is a feature in theNoachis quadrangle of Mars. It is located at 58.1 S and 307.5 W. It was named after analbedo feature at 48S, 290W.[1]
Peneus Patera showsscalloped 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 bysublimation (change from solid to a gas). More gentle slopes face in the direction of the equator, while steepscarps face the pole. This is probably due to differences in solar heating. The process is believed to be ongoing.[2]
This topography may be of great importance for future colonization of Mars because it may point todeposits of pure ice.[3]
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