Echus Chasma images from Mars Express

BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Do these valleys on Mars come from gushes of water from past rainfall, or groundwater springs, or could they have possibly been formed from magma flows on Mars surface?

That's the debate surrounding the many valleys, chasms and dry gullies found on the Red Planet. The majority of planetary geologists seem to favor the idea of water flowing on Mars surface in the past.

The images shown here of Echus Chasma are from the European Space Agency's Mar's Express, and its High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC). Echus Chasma is believed to be one of the largest water source regions on the Red Planet. The valleys, cut into the landscape look similar to drainage networks found on Earth. The image here has a ground resolution of approximately 17 m/pixel, and is so clear and distinct it almost makes you feel like you're there!

(Source: China Daily/Agencies)