Intro
Planum Australe is Mars' southern polar region with a prominent ice cap, approximately 3 km in depth and 400 km wide. Unlike the north pole, it's not precisely located at the southern pole but is about 180 kilometers (112 miles) away, influenced by nearby geography. The ice cap comprises multiple layers, including the basal unit, polar layered deposits, a residual ice cap, and a seasonal CO2 ice cap. The basal unit, buried beneath the upper layers, consists of sand and dust cemented by water ice, dating back over a billion years.The polar layered deposits mainly consist of water ice mixed with dust, exhibiting thicker layers compared to the northern cap. These layers display terraces and patterns influenced by winds blowing off the ice cap. Besides, a seasonal CO2 ice cap blankets the region during Martian winters, displaying a unique process of gas venting and surface erosion.
Come along with us on an expedition across the expansive ice plains of Mars' North Pole. During this journey, you'll have the chance to marvel at distinctive ice formations and explore canyons that cut through the polar cap.
