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> Mars: Winter view of Dunes
Mars: Winter view of Dunes
author: NASA/JPL/Univ. of Arizona/Novapix
reference: a-mar11-00037
Image Size 300 DPI: 21 * 16 cm
Dunes within a crater on Mars are visible in this HiRISE image. This crater is located in the southern hemisphere where it was winter at the time this image was taken on november 25 2006.
This observation documents new seasonal processes occurring on dunes at this latitude, as well as other interesting phenomena. The bright tones are interpreted as carbon dioxide or water frost. This is generally concentrated on the east-facing slopes of the dunes, which are in shadow and therefore cooler. Some dark spots on the dunes may be areas that have defrosted more than surrounding terrain.
Landslides and dark-toned streaks are seen on many of the west-facing dune slopes. The general dune morphology indicates formation by westerly winds.
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