Dark Light
Gully and defrosting activity have been visible here along the edge of a dune field, along with blocks of frost.

Observations of the same area help us check for repeat activity, as well as measuring those meter-scale blocks that we’ve seen prior.

In this case, we want to compare any possible changes with a previous observation, which we acquired in 2011. We’ve also seen images where carbon dioxide frost was the driving process in creating new gullies, so we know their formation is occurring to this day. Tracking for changes, especially when we look at the 1-kilometer enhanced color swath, can help us find more.

This caption is based on the original science rationale.


Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona https://www.uahirise.org/hipod/ESP_039701_1095
Related Posts

Wind Carved Rock

The distinctively fluted surface and elongated hills in this image in Medusae Fossae are caused by wind erosion of a soft fine-grained rock.

Dunes and Bedrock

Sometimes, we acquire an image for the simple reason of getting either more coverage of an area, and/or to complete a mosaic of a particular spot.