It marks a region of transition (a "crustal dichotomy") between southern highland and northern lowland terrain, and consists of isolated peaks and mesas.

The aim of the Mars Science Laboratory is to search for signs of ancient life.

It is hoped that a later mission could then return samples from sites identified as probably containing remains of life.

To safely bring the craft down, a 12-mile-wide, smooth, flat circle is needed.

This article about geology, geography or other features of the planet Mars or its moons is a stub.