chasma

In planetary nomenclature, a chasma (plural: chasmata ) is a deep, elongated, steep-sided depression. As of 2020, the IAU has named 122 such features in the Solar System, on Venus (63), Mars (25), Saturn's satellites Mimas (6), Tethys (2), Dione (8) and Rhea (5), Uranus's satellites Ariel (7), Titania (2) and Oberon (1) and Pluto's satellite Charon (3). An example is Eos Chasma on Mars. ==Mars== Below are images of some of the major chasmata of Mars. The map shows their relative locations. === Interior layered deposits and sulfate=== Parts of the floor of Candor Chasma contains layered deposits that have been termed interior layered deposits (ILDs). These layers may have formed when the whole area was a giant lake. Some places on Mars contain hydrated sulfate deposits. Sulfate formation involves the presence of water. The European Space Agency's Mars Express found evidence of perhaps epsomite and kieserite. Scientists want to visit these areas with robotic rovers. === Hebes Chasma and hydrated deposits=== Hebes Chasma, a large enclosed valley, may have once held water. Hydrated minerals have been found there. It is thought that large-scale underground springs of groundwater at different times burst to the surface to form deposits called Light-Toned Deposits (LTDs). Some suggest present or fossilized life forms may be found there because the deposits are relatively young. ==See also== ==References== ==External links== Lists of named chasmata: on Venus, on Mars, on Mimas, on Tethys, on Diona, on Rhea, on Ariel, on Titania, on Oberon, on Charon.

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