Valleys and River Beds

Valleys

Many scientists believe that there is no current or past tectonic activity on Mars. But there are many valleys, including an enormous canyon called Valles Marineris, which appears to be have been created by faults. Valles Marineris is a canyon that stretches about 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) and its deepest point it is 8 km (5 miles) deep. On either side of this monstrous canyon there are intricate river systems and one that extends north. Check out the fly through (2.9 MB) of a tiny section of the eastern portion of Valles Marineris

River Beds

There are many structures on Mars which have controversial interpretation, such as the enormous river beds which are in great numbers on Mars. On the east side of Valles Marineris a region called Noctus Labyrenthus contains a large portion of the planet's river formations. These reliefs show similar veination (branching) to rivers on Earth.

Above is what is believed to be an ancient river bed only miles from Mars Pathfinder's scheduled landing site. Note the water erosion patterns. Erosion experts say these signs of severe water erosion are evidence many millions of years of running water. Some Martian river beds are many miles across. To the left is prime example of erosion located on the east side of Valles Marineris. The land appears to have eroded away over millions of years.