Eroding Lava Flows

This image illustrates how radically the wind can affect the surface of Mars. Not only have windstreaks formed in the lee of many craters, but the lava flows in this region have been covered by fine materials and then eroded by the sand blasting action of the wind. In this region the winds are blowing to the west, eroding the lava surface to form small east/west ridges and bumps. Given enough time the winds will change the appearance of the surface to such a large extent that all flow features will be erased.