Early Views of the Martian Surface from the Mars Orbiter Camera of Mars Global Surveyor

• DOI: 10.1126/science.279.5357.1681
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:37:20Z
• Authors: M. C. Malin; M. H. Carr; G. E. Danielson; M. E. Davies; W. K. Hartmann; A. P. Ingersoll; P. B. James; H. Masursky; A. S. McEwen; L. A. Soderblom; P. Thomas; J. Veverka; M. A. Caplinger; M. A. Ravine; T. A. Soulanille; J. L. Warren
• Keywords: Orbiter; Landform; Albedo (alchemy); Dust storm

High-resolution images of the martian surface at scales a few meters show ubiquitous erosional and depositional eolian landforms. Dunes, sandsheets, drifts are prevalent exhibit range morphology, composition (inferred from albedo), age (as seen in occurrences different dune orientations same location). Steep walls topographic depressions such as canyons, valleys, impact craters crust to be stratified tens meters. The south polar layered terrain superposed permanent ice cap display diverse textures that may reflect complex interplay volatile non-volatile components. Low resolution regional views planet provide synoptic observations retreat, condensate clouds, lifecycle local dust storms.