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Smooth Transition

Feb. 22, 2006
This image from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor shows a transition from one of the many layered troughs in the north polar region of Mars to the relatively homogeneous-looking upper surface of the polar cap.

22 February 2006
This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a transition from one of the many layered troughs in the north polar region of Mars to the relatively homogeneous-looking upper surface of the polar cap. The difference in brightness across this scene is a function of several factors, one of which is the amount of dust versus that of ice in any given location. The bright material that dominates the scene is largely water ice.

Location near: 83.2°N, 297.8°W
Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi)
Illumination from: lower right
Season: Northern Summer

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