HiPOD: Sunday, 27 October 2024
Richardson Crater Dunes, Partially Defrosted

Richardson Crater Dunes, Partially Defrosted
Covered by seasonal carbon dioxide frost, the dune field here in Richardson Crater has only partially defrosted, although the image was acquired late in Mars’ Southern spring.

Large patches of carbon dioxide frost are observed, linked in some places by channels possibly carved into the ground by the erosion of carbon dioxide gas, as blocks dry ice slide down slope and sublimate (evaporate directly from solid to gas). Numerous dust devil tracks have left their mark.

ID: PSP_004230_1080
date: 22 June 2007
altitude: 248 km

https://uahirise.org/hipod/PSP_004230_1080
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
#Mars #science #NASA

Black & white is less than 5 km across; enhanced color is less than 1 km. For full observation details, visit the ID link.