Scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA) have captured stunning images of an enigmatic landscape on Mars, showcasing swirling layers of ice and dust in the Australe Scopuli region. The images, taken using the High Resolution Stereo Camera on the Mars Express spacecraft, reveal a unique seasonal polar layered deposit characteristic of this area.
The stark contrast between light and dark layers is particularly striking in the exposed faces of hills and valleys. The researchers noted that these deposits are formed when layers of ice freeze with varying amounts of dust trapped within.
The images also show numerous dark patches where the ice has sublimated, indicating that the Sun’s warming rays have been falling on this region for some time. As sunlight warms up the underlying surface, it creates pockets of trapped gas, which eventually lead to a burst of gas jetting through the surface.
These gas fountains carry dark dust from below and can form fan-shaped patterns moulded by the direction of the prevailing wind. The fans can range in length from tens to hundreds of meters and often appear to follow the boundaries between the polar layered deposits.
The researchers believe that these boundaries represent zones of weakness, where escaping dust-laden jets can break through the ice layers more easily. Despite missing the opportunity for “Frosty the Snowman,” the team describes it as a wonderful time of year on Mars, characterized by cold temperatures and potential dust storms.
Source: https://www.sci.news/space/carbon-dioxide-ice-australe-scopuli-mars-13523.html