This observation was suggested by 7th and 8th graders at Evergreen Middle School (California). Here was their rationale for having HiRISE target this area:

“In order to understand the weathering processes and how it may affect the Martian landscape, it is important to look at features like frost and see if that has any effect on the ground it covers.”

They picked a good target! This subimage shows a portion of the dunes located in the center of the crater, covered with sublimating frost (when the frost goes directly into a gaseous state). The dark spots are defrosted material, easily visible against the lighter frosted surface.

Written by: HiRISE Science Team   (20 February 2013)

This is a stereo pair with ESP_024925_2550 .

More info and image formats at http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/ESP_025228_2550

Image: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona