At the Edge of a Polar Cap

What to observe

• Trace the sharp boundary between light and dark terrain.
• Compare broad layers with the finer surface texture.

Explanation

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter recorded a chasm at the north polar cap edge, where strong downslope winds help carry sediment toward the Olympia Undae dune field.

Color method

This spacecraft image is processed to make surface structure legible; color should be read as imaging data, not as an unaided-eye view from the ground.