Perspective view of yardangs in the Martian lowlands
Perspective view of yardangs in the Martian lowlands
In the southern part of the Amazonis Planitia lowland plain, the erosive power of the wind created a distinctive pattern of sculpted channels known as yardangs. These rocky outcrops, ranging from a few metres to tens of metres in height, are formed by the abrasive force of wind blowing continuously from the same direction. Carrying loose material such as dust and grains of sand, the wind acts like a sandblaster – wearing away softer material. The area shown is approximately 60 kilometres wide by 80 kilometres deep.
