Iani Chaos is a minor canyon accounting for a portion of the extraterrestrial valley, Ares Vallis, of the Margaritifer Sinus quadrangle (MC-19) region of the planet Mars. This is the source region of Ares Vallis on Mars, where it is centered at approximately ~342°E, 2°S. The chaotic terrain is widely believed to have formed via the removal of subsurface water or ice, resulting in flooding at the surface, and the formation of Ares Vallis. Within Iani Chaos, deposited stratigraphically above the chaotic terrain, are smooth, low-slope, intermediate-to-light-toned deposits that are rich in a hydrated mineral that is most likely gypsum as well as hematite.
Read more about Iani Chaos: Mars Science Laboratory
Famous quotes containing the word chaos:
“Before the land rose out of the ocean, and became dry land, chaos reigned; and between high and low water mark, where she is partially disrobed and rising, a sort of chaos reigns still, which only anomalous creatures can inhabit.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)