The image displays a mixture of smooth (denoted as "S"), bumpy (B), and rough textured (R) surfaces. Some of the bumpy textured material is enclosed by the rough textured material. The downhill-side edges of the smooth areas are scalloped and are often accompanied by parallel wrinkles. The uphill edges of each piece of smooth-textured surface appear to have separated from the smooth material up-slope from them, leaving a gap of rough surfaced material. It is possible that these characteristics indicate slope failure (landslide) of an upper thin layer, similar to what we see on terrestrial landslides or a snow avalanche. This type of sliding occurs where the material strengths of upper and subsurface layers have large contrast, typically unconsolidated material overlaying a more rigid substrate.
Estimates of sliding layer thickness, local topography, and morphologic characterization of flow features allow scientists to determine the geotechnical (soil mechanics) properties of the regolith. Such studies are key to designing future rovers, space suits, and tools for exploring the Moon.
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Published by Hiroyuki Sato on 16 November 2010