chasma

/ˈtʃæzmə/; /tʃɑːsmə/; /tʃɑːsˈmɑː/ or /tʃɑːˈsmɑː/

Definitions

1. noun

A large canyon or gorge in the surface of a planet, especially on Mars, formed by tectonic activity and erosion.

“NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured images of the Valles Marineris, a massive chasma system on Mars.”

Synonyms

  • canyon
  • gorge

Antonyms

  • plateau
  • ridge