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Ripples
on the Martian Surface
This false-color image from
the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's panoramic camera shows peak-like
formations on the martian terrain at Gusev Crater. Scientists
have been analyzing these formations, which have coarse particles
accumulating on their tops, or crests. This characteristic classifies
them as ripples instead of dunes, which have a more uniform distribution
of particle sizes. Scientists are looking further into such formations,
which can give insight to the wind direction and velocity on
Mars, as well as the material that is being moved by the wind.
This image was taken on the 40th martian day, or sol, of Spirit's
mission.
A smaller version
of this photo was included in the article:
Ripples, Rocks and Dust - February
26, 2004
Contents copyright 2004 MarsLander.com -- Images courtesy
NASA/JPL/Cornell
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