29 April 2004
These dark-toned barchan sand dunes in Arkhangelsky Crater were viewed by the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) in late southern summer on 17 February 2004. Hundreds of narrow, dark streaks crisscross the dunes and the interdune terrain; these were most likely formed by the disruption of fine sediment by passing dust devils. The dune field is located near 41.2°S, 25.0°W, and is illuminated by sunlight from the upper left. Dune horns and slip faces indicate that the dominant winds blow from the southwest (lower left). The picture covers an area about 3 km (1.9 mi) across.