Early spring typically brings dust storms to northern polar regions of Mars. As the north polar cap begins to thaw, the temperature difference between the cold frost region and recently thawed surface results in swirling winds. The choppy dust clouds of at least three dust storms are visible in this mosaic of images taken by Mars Global Surveyor.
Early spring typically brings dust storms to northern polar regions of Mars. As the north polar cap begins to thaw, the temperature difference between the cold frost region and recently thawed surface results in swirling winds. The choppy dust clouds of at least three dust storms are visible in this mosaic of images taken by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft in 2002.
Currently, the Phoenix Mars Lander is exploring the Red Planet’s northern region. For Phoenix’s latest discoveries, visit www.nasa.gov/phoenix.Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems