Tag Archives: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

HiRISE: A first look at dunes

Posted on January 24, 2019 by rburnham

This image shows us a cross-section of a dune field. Dune shape depends on several factors, including the amount of sand present and the local wind directions. This dune field displays several distinct dune morphologies. We see both individual barchan-like … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Multi-elevation gullies

Posted on January 23, 2019 by rburnham

Gullies probably formed along the bouldery layers in the upper slopes of this unnamed crater within the last few million years. Gullies eroded these crater slopes and transported sediment downslope forming debris aprons multiple times. These older apron surfaces were … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Impact near the south pole

Posted on January 22, 2019 by rburnham

This image shows a new impact crater that formed between July and September 2018. It’s notable because it occurred in the seasonal southern ice cap, and has apparently punched through it, creating a two-toned blast pattern. The impact hit on … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: The source of dunes in Chasma Boreale

Posted on January 15, 2019 by rburnham

The source of dunes in Chasma Boreale. This image shows dunes during the summer, when they were free from the seasonal layer of carbon dioxide ice that covers the region for much of the year. These dunes, which are near … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Ejecta margin near Ares Vallis

Posted on January 7, 2019 by rburnham

Ejecta margin near Ares Vallis. The objective of this observation is to examine the margin of a crater’s ejecta. The ejecta on this side looks different than on the opposite side. Ares Vallis is an outflow channel, likely carved by … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Layered deposits in northern mid-latitudes

Posted on January 4, 2019 by rburnham

Layered deposits in the northern mid-latitudes. The objective of this observation is to examine layered features in an irregularly shaped depression and a nearby crater. Some researchers have suggested that the shape of mounds in large craters may be due … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Bedrock exposures in Terra Sabaea

Posted on January 4, 2019 by rburnham

Bedrock exposures in Terra Sabaea. Terra Sabaea extends from the Hellas impact basin to Utopia Planitia. It covers 4,700 kilometers at its broadest extent. Beautiful Mars series. [More at links]

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MARCI weather report, December 24-30, 2018

Posted on January 2, 2019 by rburnham

Storm activity remained active for the northern hemisphere of Mars this past week. Dust-lifting along the Acidalia storm-track, which started in the previous week, continued south into Aonia Terra. During that time, a subsequent dust storm was spotted over Chryse … Continue reading →

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MARCI weather report, December 17-23, 2018

Posted on December 27, 2018 by rburnham

A slight uptick in dust-lifting activity was observed last week on Mars. Dust storms over Acidalia Planitia pushed southward along the storm-track towards eastern Valles Marineris. Meanwhile, the plains of Amazonis, Arcadia, and Utopia encountered repeated local-scale dust storms. Looking … Continue reading →

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HiRISE: Flows northwest of Elysium Mons

Posted on December 20, 2018 by rburnham

Flows northwest of Elysium Mons. Elysium Mons is flanked by the smaller volcanoes Hecates Tholus to the northeast, and Albor Tholus to the southeast. Beautiful Mars series. [More at links]

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