Melas Chasma on Mars (IMAGE) European Space Agency Caption To the left of the image is Melas Chasma, a part of the huge Valles Marineris rift valley, which stretches for more than 4.000 km across the face of Mars. Melas Chasma itself sinks 9 km below the surrounding plains, on the right of the image, making it one of the lowest depressions on Mars. This image covers 200 x 100 km and covers an area of roughly 20.000 sq km, which is about the size of Slovenia. Credit ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum) Usage Restrictions For non-commercial use only. For free use only with full credit line indicated. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.