Image Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU

Context image credit: NASA/JPL/MOLA
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The platy surface texture observed in this THEMIS image of the vast plains southeast of the volcano Elysium Mons likely formed by very fluid cooling lava. Variations in the surface texture may reflect different cooling or flow rates of the lava. The lack of any large impact craters also points to a relatively young age for these volcanic materials. The two largest impact craters occur in the higher plateau unit indicating that these materials are older.