Iani Chaos

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.