Mellish Pedestal
January 2, 2013
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a pedestal crater superposed on the floor of the much larger Mellish Crater. When an impact crater of this type forms, material is thrown onto the adjacent terrain to form portions of the ejecta blanket we see today. If the ejecta blanket is sufficiently rocky, it will protect the underlying terrain from wind erosion. Over time, much of the exposed material surrounding the ejecta blanket will be removed by wind, leaving behind the rocky ejecta and the material below it, resulting in the pedestal-like appearance seen here. MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-1479, 31 May 2006
Credits: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems
Credits: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems
Topics:
Planetary geology, Spaceflight, Spacecraft, Environment, Arabia quadrangle, Tikhonravov, Mars, Ejecta blanket, Malin Space Science Systems, Mars Orbiter Camera, Mars Global Surveyor, Pedestal crater
