Exploratour - The Surface of Mars
Leave the Tour and look at the Annotated map of Mars
Floods and Pathfinder
Mars Pathfinder touched down in what appeared to be the remains of a flood. Thus, scientists had the opportunity to study what is thought to be a surface created by flowing water.
A map of the region, shown here, shows what are called the Ares and Tiu outflow valleys. (An outflow valley is one form of channel created by a flood). Ares is the Greek name of the god of War, also called Mars by the Romans. These are to be found on the north-eastern edge of Xanthe Terra (check the large map of Mars at the bottom of the page).
The image also shows many tear-dropped shaped tails around craters in the area, indicating the possibility of water flow in the past during the era when many craters were being formed on the surface of Mars.