This image from the HiRISE camera on the MRO probe shows wind-shaped sand-dunes

The scene shows dunes and sand ripples of various shapes and sizes inside an impact crater in the Noachis Terra region of southern Mars. Patterns of dune erosion and deposition provide insight into the sedimentary history of the area.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has been examining Mars with six science instruments since 2006. Now in an extended mission, the orbiter continues to provide insights about the planet's ancient environments and about how processes such as wind, meteorite impacts and seasonal frosts are continuing to affect the Martian surface today. This mission has returned more data about Mars than all other orbital and surface missions combined.

Each observation by this telescopic camera covers several km², and can reveal features as small as a desk.

More than 20.600 images taken by HiRISE are available for viewing on the instrument team's website: http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu .