ESA · Space

Mars's South Pole Reveals Colorful Ice Cliff

A recent image from Mars Express showcases Thyles Rupes, an ice cliff near Mars's south pole, displaying striking purple, pink, and red hues.

This view reveals darker volcanic materials rich in mafic minerals, alongside paler areas covered in carbon dioxide frost. Frosty deposits are visible atop sand dunes and within craters.

The purple color is attributed to morning light, atmospheric dust, ground frost, and mixed ice and dust. Mars's atmosphere variability can cause images to display different colors.

Thyles Rupes, meaning 'cliff of Thule', features cliffs over 1 km high, believed to be tectonic in origin. They likely formed billions of years ago as Mars's crust deformed.

Located in the southern highlands, the cliff extends for hundreds of kilometers and intersects with numerous impact craters, indicating a complex geological history.

The scene also includes various types of sand dunes, characterized by rippled white patches shaped by Martian winds.

The image was captured by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) aboard Mars Express, which has been mapping Mars for over two decades.

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