Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

(ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµOrg.com) -- Mars' Claritas Fossae region is characterized by systems of "graben" running mainly north-west to south-east.

A graben forms when a block of the planet's crust drops down between two faults, due to extension, or pulling, of the crust.

This image was originally released July 13, 2011.

Provided by JPL/NASA