This image contains streamlined features located northwest of Hale Crater, a 120 x 150 kilometer diameter impact crater that is possibly the youngest of its size on Mars.

A streamlined feature is one that is raised, possessing sharp edges. It is narrower at the downstream end because of the flow that carved it. Any fluid—lava, water, mud, and even flowing ice—can form streamlined features. Many portions of the image are filled with craters, while others are rather smooth.

The streamlined features in this image tend to be smoother, suggesting they are relatively young. Their origin might be related to the impact that formed the crater.
Written by: Kelly Kolb

All of the images produced by HiRISE and accessible on this site are within the public domain: there are no restrictions on their usage by anyone in the public, including news or science organizations. We do ask for a credit line where possible: Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit: http://www.nasa.gov. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems is the prime contractor for the project and built the spacecraft. The HiRISE camera was built by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation and is operated by the University of Arizona. The image data were processed using the U.S. Geological Survey’s ISIS3 software.