The "End" of Lethe Vallis (CTX Frame - Enhanced Natural Colors; credits for the additional process. and color.: Dr Paolo C. Fienga - Lunexit Team)

HiRISE image PSP_004072_1845 shows the funnel-shaped Terminus of Lethe Vallis, a winding Channel in the Elysium Planitia Region of Mars.

Lethe Vallis flows from South-West to North-East between 2 basins: Cerberus Palus and Eastern Elysium Plantia. Where it empties into the latter, the Channel abruptly widens (see the EDM n.1).

On the West side (up) of this HiRISE image, Lethe Vallis is approx. 800 mt wide; on the East side (down), it is more than 7 Km in width. As the fluid that carved the Channel spread out, its erosive power diminished. Thus, where the Channel is wider, it contains numerous high-standing Mesas that are primarily composed of pre-existing material that was not fully eroded away.

The Floor of Lethe Vallis is covered in solidified Lava and blanketed by a thin layer of light-toned Dust. The Lava has a rough, ridged appearance where its surface buckled as it cooled, and a smoother polygonal texture where it was not significantly deformed. Interestingly, Lava textures are visible high on the Banks and Terraces of the Lethe Vallis. Farther away from the Channel, the Terrain is older and more heavily cratered.