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 (17 March 2008)
This is a stereo pair with PSP_006967_1475 .
More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/PSP_006677_1475
Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona