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Although Mars is the Red Planet, false color images can help us learn about its weather and geology. This image shows a series of wind-related features on the Red Planet near the center of Gamboa Crater. The larger dunes form sinusoidal peaks and individual domes.
There are small ripples on the top of the dune, just a few steps from the top of the dune. These ripples merge into larger ripples about 30 feet apart radiating from the dunes. The larger, brighter, almost parallel formations are known as the “Transverse Aeolian Rift” (TAR). These TARs are covered with very coarse sand.
Large ripples appear blue on one side of the enhanced color cut while TAR appears brighter blue on the other side. This could be because the TAR is actively moving under the influence of the wind, clearing the darker dust and making them brighter. All of these different features can tell which direction the winds are blowing as they form. Being able to study diversity in such close proximity allows us to see their relationships and compare and contrast features to see what they are made of and how they are formed.
Image provider: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona
Last Updated: July 25, 2022
Editor: Yvette Smith
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