Tempe Fossae

{{Short description|Fossae on Mars}}

{{Infobox feature on celestial object

|name = Tempe Fossae

|image = 200px

|caption = Map of Arcadia quadrangle with major features labeled. Several large cracks called fossae are in this area.

|coordinates = {{coord|40.2|N|71.4|W|globe:mars_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

|naming = an albedo feature at 40N, 70W

}}

The Tempe Fossae are a group of troughs in the Arcadia quadrangle of Mars, located at 40.2° north latitude and 71.4° west longitude. They are about 2,000 km long and were named after an albedo feature at 40N, 70W.{{Cite web|title=Planetary Names: Welcome|url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/|access-date=2021-04-19|website=planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov}}

The term "fossae" is used to indicate large troughs when using geographical terminology related to Mars. Troughs, sometimes also called grabens, form when the crust is stretched until it breaks, which forms two breaks with a middle section moving down, leaving steep cliffs along the sides. Sometimes, a line of pits form as materials collapse into a void that forms from the stretching.{{Cite web|title=Mars Global Surveyor MOC2-620 Release|url=http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2004/01/29/index.html|access-date=2021-04-19|website=www.msss.com}}

Tempe Fossae Sinuous Channel.JPG|Tempe Fossae sinuous channel, as seen by HiRISE.

Faults and scars near Tharsis province on Mars ESA22013931.jpeg|Grabens and horsts, as seen by Mars Express' High Resolution Stereo Camera.

Topographic view of Tempe Fossae on Mars ESA22014172.jpeg|Topographic view by HRSC

Northeast of Mars’ Tharsis province- Tempe Fossae in 3D ESA22014213.jpeg|3D anaglyph by HRSC

Perspective view of Tempe Fossae on Mars ESA22014090.jpeg|Perspective view by HRSC