The origin of this mound on a crater floor was not clear from prior image coverage, so we targeted HiRISE to take a closer look. With study of the HiRISE image, the geologic history may or may not be clarified, but it is certainly a striking image.

The dark sand collected in low areas creates a high contrast with the lighter-toned bedrock, and there are caterpillar-like wind-blown dunes or ripples crawling over the surface. The subimage shows an enhanced-color view .

Written by: Alfred McEwen   (31 August 2011)

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_023264_1680

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona