http://marsoweb.nas.nasa.gov/MOLA/regions/17_36/
The area in question is part of a teardrop-shaped depression about 20% of the way down on the right-hand side of the image. The MOLA track runs from upper right to lower left, and has dark blue tones within the depression. If you click on the ground track, you get a profile on the right.
To assist you, here is a screenshot of what you should get:
If you click between the profile and the image, you get a read-out at the bottom of actual elevations. For instance, the centre of the playa is at 695.68m above datum, while the plateau just to the north (top of gullied slope) is at 1297.76 m - giving ~600m of releif across the scene.
The floor of the depression is not flat. it slopes gently to the north and the playa is situated at the lowest point in the depression.
IF there were liquid water available here in the summer, it would pool in this area.
Many other things would also pool here, such as dust and fine material working its way downslope, or being cariied in the channels when they thaw in the spring, or just blowing in the wind.
So, in conclusion, the MOLA data are consistent with a playa, which might have an association with liquid water, or might not. Other evidence is needed to decide, like images of this area in the summer.
Space/Science » in reply to See the channels?
MOLA data.