Mars south polar region reveals unexpected purple and pink colors

New images of the Martian south polar region have revealed unexpected colors, including swirls of pink and purple around a geological formation known as Thyles Rupes. This ice escarpment features cliffs rising more than one kilometer high.

The diverse colors in the region indicate a variety of geological materials. Darker areas are linked to volcanic materials rich in minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, which are also found in Earth’s mantle. In contrast, pale blue areas within craters are covered in frozen carbon dioxide. The south polar cap region also features a permanent core with a seasonal layer of carbon dioxide frost that expands and shrinks throughout the Martian year.