Image Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU

Context image credit: NASA/JPL/MOLA
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Detailed information on this image is available at the THEMIS Data Releases website.

 

Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.

 

The long sharp-crested features observed in this THEMIS image are may be yardangs. Yardangs form by wind erosion and typically align with the direction of the dominant wind. However, it is more likely that these features are linear dunes. The appearance of the features within the small cater at the bottom right of the image supports dune formation rather than yardangs because the rim is not eroded equavalent to the interior features; the dunes appear to lap up against the rim - indicating deposition rather than erosion.