Graben

The linear features in the image are tectonic graben. Graben are formed by extension of the crust and faulting. When large amounts of pressure or tension are applied to rocks on timescales that are fast enough that the rock cannot respond by deforming, the rock breaks along faults. In the case of a graben, two parallel faults are formed by extension of the crust and the rock in between the faults drops downward into the space created by the extension. The graben visible in this THEMIS image trend east/west. Because the faults defining the graben are formed perpendicular to the direction of the applied stress, we know that extensional forces were pulling the crust apart in the north/south direction. These unnamed graben are located on the eastern margin of Orcus Patera. Orbit Number: 95005 Latitude: 13.7781 Longitude: 180.931 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2023-05-16 00:25 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26251