Mars’s 36 northern polar craters show seasonal changes in bright ice deposits
Researchers examined images of 36 craters near Mars’s north pole taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter between 2006 and 2025. The study, published in JGR: Planets, found changing bright deposits in 32 craters, consistent with seasonal ice or frost shifts; the other four showed no brightness changes.
Bottom line — The 32 changing craters point to local frost cycles, not a uniform response across Mars’s northern polar region.
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Universe Today reports that the images came from the orbiter’s HiRISE camera.
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The study says only a subset of craters changes frost coverage from one Martian year to the next.
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The researchers suggest local terrain, crater shape and microclimates may help explain the differences, Universe Today reports.
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The authors say further modelling could help clarify how local conditions shape these seasonal changes.