Ophir and Candor Chasmata

Today's VIS image crosses both Ophir Chasma (top) and Candor Chasma (bottom). Layered and eroded material covers the floors of both chasmata. Both canyons are part of Valles Marineris. Often called the grand canyon of Mars, Valles Marineris extends over 3,000 kilometers (1864 miles) long, spans as much as 600 kilometers across, and as deep as 8 kilometers. By comparison, the Earth's Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA is 800 kilometers long, 30 kilometers across, and 1.8 kilometers deep.