
At certain times in spring, fans take on a gray or blue appearance. This is the time in Inca City when this phenomenon happens, as seen in this image acquired by NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. On the ridge at the top of the image fans have lengthened and now look more gray than the blotches on the araneiforms. At the bottom of the image they are distinctly blue in color. Two theories have been suggested: perhaps fine particles sink into the seasonal layer of ice so they no longer appear dark. Or, maybe the gas that is released from under the ice condenses and falls to the surface as a bright fresh layer of frost. It is quite likely that both of these theories are correct. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA18895
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
NASA ID
PIA18895
Date Created
November 13, 2014
Center
JPL
Media Type
image
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.
Medium
960px