NASA: Dark Dune Fields

Dark Dune Fields of Proctor Crater, Mars

The dark rippled dunes of Mars' Proctor Crater likely formed more recently than the lighter rock forms they appear to cover, and are thought to slowly shift in response to pervasive winds. The dunes arise from a complex relationship between the sandy surface and high winds on Mars. Similar dunes were first seen in Proctor Crater by Mariner 9 more than 35 years ago.

This image was taken by HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, currently in orbit around Mars.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona