Observing the ice cap at the south pole of Mars, the European spacecraft captured a stunning view: ruddy curls are frozen in the Martian ice like cinnamon sprinkling frothy milk on a luxurious cappuccino hat.
The image obtained with the help of Mars Express by the staff of the European Space Agency in 2012, was reworked by Bill Dunford and published in the corporate edition of ESA.
The South Pole of Mars is covered with an ice cap, which is shifted 150 kilometers from the geographical pole of the planet. This does not allow to position the ice cover, which does not disappear throughout the year (however, in winter its thickness is minimal). This is also due to the fact that deep craters on the surface of the planet act as funnels for the strongest winds blowing to the south pole and create a combination of high and low pressure systems. Carbon dioxide in the polar cap sublimates at different speeds and different pressures, which causes the curvature of its structure. Despite the fact that the curls of carbon dioxide, water ice and red regolith seem smooth, in fact the ice landscape consists of a layered combination of peaks, valleys and flat plains.
One can imagine how, in the distant future, when humanity sets foot on the surface of Mars, the glaciers of the planet will become highly demanded resources. After all, this is not only an invaluable supply of water and fuel, but also climate capsules. The entire climate history on Mars was recorded in layers of the landscape. By exploring them, you can get complete information about the climate of the Red Planet and its potential for human life.
