Friday, February 7, 2014

Squiggly Sand Dunes in Noachis Terra


It is now late Northern spring on Mars, so the Southern middle latitudes get very low-sun illumination that accentuates subtle topography.

This image shows sand dunes mixed with rock outcrops on the floor of a large crater. Some of the dunes have squiggly crests, which is unusual. It looks like this is due to the outcrops, which anchor the dune in places as they migrate.

Image credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

Note: This crater is located in Noachis Terra northwest of Russell Crater.

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