Gullies in Gorgonum Chaos (Natural Colors; credits for the additional process. and color.: Dr Paolo C. Fienga - Lunexit Team)

This observation from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) shows part of Gorgonum Chaos, a large cluster of Chaotic Terrain found in the Southern Hemisphere.

Many Regions of Chaotic Terrain are found at the head of large Outflow Channels that were scoured by ancient floods. Gorgonum Chaos is one Region that is NOT associated with an Outflow Channel.
Chaotic Terrain can form when Subsurface Volatiles (such as water) are catastrophically released and the overlying surface collapses. It is not known whether isolated Chaotic Terrain -- such as that shown in this image -- formed in the same way that the ones near the Outflow Channels did. However, some wind-erosion activity might have played a role in their formation.

Gorgonum Chaos is an especially interesting area because Gullies thought to have been eroded by liquid water are located on its Mesas. The Gullies have a wide range of orientations and many appear to emanate from a distinct layer in the Mesas. It is not known why Gullies form on one slope rather than another, but the "Insolation" (sucgh as the amount of sunlight received), availability of water, and regional slope are possible contributing factors.