Mars Odyssey Mission THEMIS: Feature Image: Polar Dunes (Released 14 March 2003)

Vital Statistics
Location: 77.3N, 87.3E	Released: 2003-03-14
Image Size: 20.5 x 73.0 km, 1024 x 3648 px
Resolution: 20m	Instrument: VIS

Image Credit: NASA/JPL/ASU

Image Context:
Context image for 20030314a

Wide Context:
Wide context image for 20030314a

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 dunes in this image of the Vastitas Borealis region of Mars are just one of many dune fields/sand seas found at high latitudes. These sand seas migrate around the north polar cap following the strong polar vortex winds. Covered by frost in the winter, the dunes defrost and can actively move during the summer.