Orbiter explains bizarre Mars textures

High resolution images taken form the Mars reconnaissance orbiter are helping to explain some strange textures near the planets south pole.

Previously research had described the surface of the southern region, specifically Ithaca, as having spidery, lace-like, and lizard-skin texture.

the new images are leading researchers to believe that the lighter-colored patches are caused by frozen carbon dioxide

"The researchers think the jets contain gaseous carbon dioxide. When it bursts free, it expands and cools, and some is deposited as frost in the smudges. The
darker areas are believed to be composed of dust," NASA said.

Researchers believe that the carbon dioxide freezes in the winter and thaws in the summer. Subsequently, the gas travels upward, underneath the frozen caps, and carves channels along the way.