Spring in Olympia Undae

Today's VIS image is located over Olympia Undae, the largest of several dune fields that surround the north polar cap. The dunes look like salt and pepper against a bright background. The spring arrival of the sun has begun the defrosting process, and most of the dunes are still covered in frost. As the season progresses the dunes will appear darker and darker as the dark sand is revealed from under the bright frost cover.