ESA’s Mars Express captures Shalbatana Vallis on Mars, showing water-carved channels and chaotic terrain (esa.int)

• Shalbatana Vallis formed 3.5 billion years ago by catastrophic water floods.
• The channel spans 1300 km, 10 km wide and 500 m deep.
• Chaotic terrain results from melting subsurface ice causing ground collapse.
• Volcanic ash and lava flows have modified the landscape.
• Mars Express has been mapping Mars since 2003.

"ESA’s Mars Express orbiter has imaged Shalbatana Vallis, a valley near Mars’ equator that was carved by catastrophic floods approximately 3.5 billion years ago. The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) captured the northern part of the 1300 km-long channel, which transitions from cratered highlands to smoother lowlands. The image reveals chaotic terrain formed by melting subsurface ice, impact craters, lava flows, and volcanic ash deposits. The valley likely once held water and may connect to Chryse Planitia, a basin that might have hosted an ancient ocean. Mars Express has been mapping Mars in detail since 2003."