Hot Mineral Veins in Mounds in Ariadnes Colles

The Ariadnes Colles region is a large basin in the southern highlands covered by mounds. The mounds expose bedrock riddled with light-toned veins of mineral-filled fractures. This suggests hydrothermal alteration: hot water carried and deposited minerals. On Earth, heat-loving microbes thrive in such settings.

https://uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_082678_1450
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
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